"No Worries About Abnormal Weather" Distribution Industry Now Smart Farm Holic

Customers are touring the smart farm using the 'Aquaponics' method at Jamsil Zetaflex.

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[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] The distribution industry is increasingly entering the smart farm business. This is because it can supply consumers with vegetables of consistent quality without being affected by external environmental factors.

According to the industry on the 18th, Emart collaborated with the smart farm company ‘N.thing’ to introduce smart farm crops for the first time in January last year. Over 80,000 smart farm crops were sold at eight Emart stores throughout the year. Emart is holding a discount event on eight types of European lettuce grown in smart farms until the 20th.

Homeplus is also collaborating with the smart farm company ‘Farm8’ to supply six varieties of European lettuce at seven renovated stores, including the Ganseok branch. Salads made with smart farm vegetables are sold at all Homeplus stores. Sales last month increased by more than 20% compared to February, the first month of introduction.

Lotte Mart is cultivating 45 types of vegetables, including lettuce, paprika, and cucumber, using smart farm technology. From January to March, cumulative sales of smart farm vegetables increased by more than 30% compared to the previous year. At Jamsil Zeta Plex, they are selling European vegetables grown using the ‘aquaponics’ smart farm technology for the first time in the distribution industry. This method grows plants hydroponically based on organic matter generated by raising 15 catfish.

The reason the distribution industry is interested in smart farms is that they can supply vegetables with consistent quality. For example, strawberry production in winter decreased by 40% due to pest damage caused by high temperatures in September and October last year, affecting prices.

An industry official said, "The advantage of smart farms is that crops can be supplied to consumers without damage from abnormal temperatures or pests," and predicted, "The adoption of smart farms and the crops grown in smart farms will gradually increase in the industry."

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