Supporting Economic Independence of People with Developmental Disabilities through 'Gonchung Sayuk' Smart Farm

Opening of a Specialized Workplace for People with Developmental Disabilities in Taean-gun, Chungnam

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Cheol-hyun] The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (Minister Lee Young) announced on the 28th that it has opened a 'Developmental Disability Specialized Workplace' in Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, to provide stable jobs for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

The project to establish and operate specialized workplaces for people with developmental disabilities has been promoted since 2020 to support the economic independence of people with developmental disabilities and their families. The specialized workplace opened this time in Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, was prepared by remodeling two buildings on the site of a closed middle school. A total of 2.7 billion KRW is expected to be invested in its establishment and operation.

The specialized workplace in Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, is a facility for breeding and selling edible insects, consisting of breeding rooms, practice rooms, and drying rooms. The edible insect bred is the 'White-spotted flower chafer' (Huinjeombagi kkotmuji), and it is bred step-by-step from larvae (Gumbaengi) to cocoon (pupa) and then to adult. The larvae are freeze-dried and shipped, while the adults are used as breeding stock. Approximately 500 kg of freeze-dried larvae can be produced annually, and sales are expected to generate about 100 million KRW in revenue.

White-spotted Flower Chafer Production Process

The White-spotted flower chafer is included in the scope of livestock under the Enforcement Rules of the Livestock Act, allowing various benefits such as acquisition tax reductions and exemption from agricultural special tax when starting a business. Minister Lee Young said, "Insects are future biological resources that can be utilized in various fields such as food, feed, cosmetics, and new materials, and will greatly contribute to generating livelihood income for people with developmental disabilities and their families." He added, "The Ministry of SMEs and Startups will continue to support people with developmental disabilities to become self-reliant beyond being protected individuals."

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