Jeollanam-do Selects Muan "Chakhan Sweet Potato" as October’s Eco-Friendly Agricultural Product

Jo Eunji Produces About 200 Tons Annually
Secures Stable Sales Channels Including School Meal Supply

Jo Eunji, a farmer who cultivated organic sweet potatoes in Muan. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Jeollanam-do has selected Muan's "Chakhan Sweet Potato" as the eco-friendly agricultural product of October.

Sweet potatoes are rich in dietary fiber, which supports digestive health, and are high in beta-carotene and vitamin C, making them beneficial for boosting immunity and promoting skin health. Additionally, as a low glycemic index food, they help regulate blood sugar and are effective in preventing diabetes.

Jo Eunji, 39, who lives in Muan County, began cultivating sweet potatoes in 2007 after getting married, and since 2014 has been engaged in eco-friendly farming. Working together with her husband Park Myeongju, who is also a farmer, she realized the importance of eco-friendly agricultural products when preparing baby food for their children. She now produces sweet potatoes certified as eco-friendly.

Jo said, "At first, it was difficult because eco-friendly agricultural products were traded at similar prices to conventional products in the wholesale market," and added, "By promoting the Chakhan Sweet Potato brand through online sales and gaining consumer trust, I was able to stabilize sales."

She continued, "Although there is price competition in online sales, I will do my best to ensure that consumers can purchase with confidence."

Currently, Jo cultivates organic sweet potatoes on 10,743 square meters and pesticide-free sweet potatoes on 68,096 square meters, producing about 200 tons annually. Her annual income reaches approximately 600 million won. Direct online sales account for 70% of sales, while 30% goes to school meal programs. From August to May, she sells sweet potatoes known as "Honey Sweet Potatoes."

Kim Youngseok, Director of the Eco-Friendly Agriculture Division at Jeonnam Province, stated, "The continued efforts of this family to grow eco-friendly sweet potatoes and expand sales channels through direct online transactions is a good example of enhancing the sustainability of local agriculture," adding, "We will continue to provide various support measures to ensure stable farm incomes and promote the development of eco-friendly agriculture."

Currently, the total area dedicated to eco-friendly sweet potato cultivation in Muan County is 967 hectares, with an annual production of approximately 16,000 tons.

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