Jeongeup-si Focuses on Cultivating 'Taechu Persimmons' as a Niche Income Crop

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jae-gil] The Jeongeup Agricultural Technology Center in Jeonbuk is making efforts to actively cultivate Taechu Dan-gam as a niche income crop.

According to the Jeongeup Agricultural Technology Center on the 15th, Taechu Dan-gam was first cultivated in the Jeongeup area in 1997 and began to be actively grown by 13 farms starting in 2012.

Currently, it is cultivated on 30 hectares by 40 farms, and the Taechu Dan-gam Research Association (Chairman Jo Gi-man) is operating to focus on developing it as a new niche crop for farm income.

Taechu Dan-gam is known for its high sugar content averaging 18 Brix, earning it the nickname "Pear Persimmon." It is loved by consumers for its crisp texture and excellent sweetness.

The harvest season is earlier than regular persimmons, from early to mid-October, allowing it to be enjoyed during Chuseok, which is why it is also called "Chuseok Persimmon."

Although it boasts superior taste compared to other fruits, it is difficult to store, so it can only be enjoyed during the harvest period, which is a drawback.

Taechu Dan-gam is vulnerable to winter cold damage, so careful management of moisture and other cultivation factors is essential.

Additionally, its thin skin and issues such as calyx lifting and russeting require significant effort and technology for production.

Accordingly, the city is focusing on solving technical difficulties, strengthening farmers' capabilities, and disseminating technology to improve the quality of Taechu Dan-gam.

To stabilize the tree shape and improve work efficiency, the city is investing 15 million won to support umbrella-type stakes and sorting machines by grade to enhance consumer satisfaction.

Furthermore, by opening the Danpungmiin University, the city provides education on variety characteristics, pruning, fertilization, and pest and disease control techniques, focusing on strengthening farmers' capabilities.

A representative from the city’s Agricultural Technology Center said, “Taechu Dan-gam is emerging as a niche income crop. We will properly utilize its unique characteristics to become the main production area of Taechu Dan-gam and widely promote it as a nationwide brand.”

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