Expanding Exports of K-Agricultural Equipment Through 'Agricultural Technology ODA'

RDA Presents Contribution Plan to Food Security in Developing Countries Using K-Agricultural Technology
Pilot Export of Full-Cycle Agricultural Machinery Packages
Expanding ODA Outcomes by Linking with Local Government Policies

The government has decided to enhance agricultural productivity by introducing various agricultural machinery and equipment tailored to local conditions through Official Development Assistance (ODA), while also seeking new export opportunities for Korean agricultural machinery companies.

The Rural Development Administration (RDA) announced the 'Contribution Plan to Food Security in Developing Countries Using K-Agricultural Technology' at the National Policy Issues Ministers' Meeting held on the 5th.

National Institute of Agricultural Sciences building. (File photo)

An RDA official explained, "This plan aims to go beyond one-dimensional support that simply spreads Korea's excellent agricultural technology, to increase the potential for global agricultural development through multifaceted cooperation with countries worldwide, contributing to solving food issues. In particular, it presents a direction for agricultural technology cooperation that leads the joint prosperity of developing countries through mutual solidarity and cooperation based on successful experiences in food self-sufficiency and rural development, as well as trust built through agricultural technology cooperation with countries around the world."

The RDA plans to establish and actively implement three major strategies: ▲Enhancing the ripple effect of agricultural technology ODA ▲Strengthening the global agricultural research and development (R&D) network ▲Establishing a mutually beneficial agricultural machinery export strategy.

◆Comprehensive support of agricultural machinery suited to target country environments...Laying the groundwork for small and medium-sized enterprises' overseas expansion= First, the RDA intends to improve agricultural productivity in developing countries by timely introducing various agricultural machinery and equipment suited to local conditions. Through pilot exports of full-cycle agricultural machinery packages necessary to increase productivity in key local crops and dairy farming, the RDA will support effective solutions to agricultural problems faced by developing countries while securing opportunities for Korean agricultural machinery companies to enter overseas markets.

In three African countries, 20 types of agricultural machinery related to rice production will be introduced, and in three Latin American countries, 16 types of agricultural machinery related to potato production will be deployed. In eight countries including those in the Middle East, horticultural technologies suitable for hot seasons or water-scarce environments will be disseminated to support stable vegetable cultivation.

In Central Asia, where the dairy industry holds a significant place in the rural economy but productivity is low, K-dairy technologies (such as semen, embryos, feed additives, vaccines) necessary for breeding management, feeding management, and disease control will be introduced in package form to establish demonstration sites.

In this process, agricultural machinery suited to the target countries' environments will be comprehensively organized, and an export consortium will be formed to establish a foundation for demonstrating and applying Korean-style technology overseas. This will lay the groundwork for domestic small and medium-sized enterprises to expand overseas and support the search for new avenues in 'agricultural machinery exports.'

◆Linking ODA outcomes with local government policies to induce nationwide expansion= The RDA plans to strengthen collaboration with recipient country governments, relevant domestic ministries, international organizations, and international research institutions to efficiently disseminate successful cases of agricultural technology ODA projects and enhance sustainability.

To this end, the RDA will promote nationwide expansion by linking customized agricultural technology achievements developed and verified through the overseas agricultural technology development project (KOPIA) with local government policies.

An RDA official stated, "Some countries have already achieved visible results in closing agricultural gaps on their own and are receiving positive evaluations from the international community. For example, in Pakistan, we transferred disease-free seed potato hydroponic cultivation technology, increasing local seed potato productivity by about six times. The Pakistani government designated this project as a national project, and both countries plan to jointly invest $2.5 million each over five years (2023?2028) to expand the seed potato self-sufficiency rate to 30%."

Additionally, based on the RDA's research and development (R&D) infrastructure, agricultural technology support will be included in inter-ministerial collaborative projects to enhance effectiveness. The RDA is providing all necessary agricultural technologies for the K-Rice Belt project, led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, which is being implemented in seven African countries. In 2023, 2,321 tons of high-quality rice seeds were produced, exceeding the project target by 14%. The 2024 target (3,288 tons) is also expected to be achieved at 100% or more. The goal is to establish a rice seed production complex to supply 10,000 tons of high-quality seeds annually by 2027.

Activation of continent-specific agri-food technology cooperation councils through collaboration with international organizations and international research institutions will also be pursued. Following the 'Korea-Africa Summit' held in June last year, the number of member countries in the African council has been expanded to 37. In April this year, the 'Korea-Caribbean Agricultural Research Innovation Platform' was launched in cooperation with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), supporting 14 countries.

RDA Administrator Kwon Jae-han said, "Official Development Assistance activities are a compass that alleviates poverty and inequality among marginalized neighbors worldwide, raising their living standards by one step and promising co-growth in the international community. The RDA will fulfill its responsibilities and duties befitting Korea's status as a global pivotal country, respond timely to global issues, lead related R&D, and guide sustainable agricultural cooperation beyond borders."

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