Jeonnam Province's 'Organic Ssuk' Selected as Eco-Friendly Agricultural Product of March

Jeonnam Province announced on the 10th that it has selected the spring harbinger "Organic Mugwort" as the eco-friendly agricultural product of March.

Mugwort, rich in dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, helps restore health during a time when large temperature differences between day and night, fine dust, and frequent yellow dust can potentially harm health.

Mugwort, commonly seen along roadsides in early spring, plays a role in stimulating appetite when springtime appetite is low. It is used in various dishes such as soybean paste soup, flatfish mugwort soup, and mugwort rice cakes, and is also consumed as tea.

Kim Hee-seok, CEO of Hampyeong Chamssuk Agricultural Cooperative Corporation, who is earning income from organic mugwort in Hampyeong, first ventured into mugwort cultivation in 2009 with the idea of "making and selling rice cakes using mugwort grown directly." He now cultivates 4,700㎡ (1,400 pyeong).

In the early days, mugwort grown in open fields received criticism from residents, who said, "Are you going to turn the village into a mugwort field?" due to poor weed management. However, after several trials and errors, the "organic mugwort" produced in greenhouses has transformed into a valuable crop that increases farmers' income.

The organic mugwort harvested from mid-January this year is traded at a relatively high price of 14,000 KRW per kilogram, and about 2 kg can be harvested up to five times per 3.3㎡.

Kim Hee-seok, who recorded sales of 120 million KRW last year, stated, "The ultimate goal is to produce and sell various organic processed foods such as mugwort rice cakes made from mugwort that undergoes strict management from production to packaging."

Hampyeong organic mugwort is characterized by its subtle aroma and soft taste. It is popular among consumers who prefer safe agricultural products and is supplied to Hansalim and consumer cooperatives.

Yu Deok-gyu, head of the Eco-friendly Agriculture Division of Jeonnam Province, said, "Although it is challenging, we will continue to expand support from eco-friendly agricultural production to processing and distribution to improve the income of farmers who supply safe food through sustainable organic farming."

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