Rice Developed in Korea Grows in the Middle of the UAE Desert... Harvest This Month

Production 40% Higher Than Domestic Cultivation... Challenge to Secure Economic Feasibility

Asemi

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] The Rural Development Administration (RDA) has successfully cultivated the drought-resistant rice variety 'Asemi,' developed in-house, in the desert region of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and will harvest it this month.

According to the RDA on the 3rd, the Asemi rice sown in Sharjah on November 25 last year will be harvested in early this month. The expected yield is about 763 kg per 10 acres (approximately 300 pyeong), which is about 40% higher than when the same variety was cultivated domestically. The RDA analyzed that this result was due to abundant sunlight suitable for rice cultivation, appropriate nutrient input, and water management.

This project was carried out as part of the agricultural technology cooperation discussed during the 2018 Korea-UAE summit. Especially to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the RDA operated a remote management system to monitor weather, water management, and growth conditions via video and respond promptly, as on-site access was restricted.

An RDA official explained, "We confirmed the cultivation potential of the Asemi variety and demonstrated and systematized the entire cultivation process in the desert environment," adding, "It is meaningful in that the area suitable for rice cultivation has been expanded to desert regions."

Leveling work

Securing economic feasibility remains a challenge to be addressed in the future. Currently, the production value is about 5.65 million KRW per hectare, which is significantly lower than the desalination cost of about 20 million KRW per hectare. The RDA plans to enhance economic feasibility by reviewing the use of groundwater, changing sowing times, and modifying irrigation methods. Once the COVID-19 situation improves, the RDA intends to consult with the UAE government to prepare for a second trial cultivation.

Kim Kyung-kyu, head of the RDA, said, "Despite difficult conditions, we confirmed the possibility of rice cultivation in the desert based on our technology and experience," and added, "If sustainability of rice cultivation is secured through continuous follow-up trials, it is expected to contribute to building a close cooperative relationship between the two countries."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.