This Year, Barley and Potato Cultivation Areas Decrease, While Apple and Pear Increase

Statistics Korea '2021 Barley, Spring Potato, Apple, Pear Cultivation Area Survey Results'

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] This year, the cultivation area of cereals (barley and wheat) and potatoes has decreased compared to last year due to sluggish consumption. On the other hand, the cultivation area of pears and apples increased this year as their prices soared following poor harvests caused by last year's monsoon and typhoons.

According to the '2021 Barley, Spring Potato, Apple, and Pear Cultivation Area Survey' released by Statistics Korea on the 28th, the cultivation area of cereals this year was 34,960 hectares, a 13.0% decrease from 40,202 hectares a year earlier.

The cultivation areas of hulless barley (-21.0%), rice barley (-18.8%), and malting barley (-12.3%) all decreased due to sluggish consumption and falling contract prices, while wheat increased by 18.5% influenced by policies promoting domestic wheat production.

The cultivation area of spring potatoes also decreased by 12.7% to 14,257 hectares from 16,339 hectares the previous year due to sluggish consumption and other factors.

In contrast, during the same period, the cultivation area of apples increased by 5.8% to 33,439 hectares from 31,598 hectares the previous year, and the cultivation area of pears increased by 7.5% to 9,774 hectares from 9,091 hectares. Notably, this is the first increase in pear cultivation area in 21 years. Statistics Korea explained the increase in apple and pear cultivation areas as "the effect of new plantings due to recent price rises."

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