Expecting Increased Farm Income with Prices 30% Higher Than Regular Melon
[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] As consumers increasingly seek functional fruits and vegetables that are good for health, Gokseong-gun, Jeonnam, has introduced antioxidant functional cantaloupe melons as a new crop to increase agricultural income through pilot cultivation.
According to Gokseong-gun on the 15th, the county held a public-private council last December to discuss the introduction of new crops with rising future value, deciding to focus the pilot production of functional melons on cantaloupe melon cultivation.
Six farms, mainly members of the Gokseong-gun Isulmeomeun Melon Cooperative Shipping Association, are participating in the pilot cultivation on a small scale of 0.4 hectares. As summer arrives, the Gokseong cantaloupe melons, which began cultivation in April this year, are being shipped and receiving positive responses in the market.
Cantaloupe melons are characterized by their unique musky aroma and soft crispness. There is little difference in cultivation methods compared to the Earl's series melons, a specialty product of Gokseong-gun, making production easy. Therefore, Gokseong-gun is paying attention to cantaloupe melons as a new crop that will further increase agricultural income in the future.
Cantaloupe melons are known as a representative fruit of the Avignon region in France. Along with wine and cocoa, they are considered one of the three major longevity foods in France. Recently, their recognition has been increasing domestically as they are sold in various forms such as processed foods and supplements.
The reason cantaloupe melons are regarded as longevity foods in Europe is due to their very high content of beta-carotene, an antioxidant substance. Beta-carotene, a natural antioxidant, helps prevent bodily damage caused by active oxygen.
From the farmers' perspective, cantaloupe melons can be sold at prices about 1.3 times higher than regular melons harvested at the same time, greatly aiding income improvement.
Mr. Seo Donghwan from Daepyeong-ri, Gokseong-eup, who cultivated functional melons for the first time this year through the pilot project, said, “I hesitated because I thought cantaloupe melons were difficult to cultivate. However, with the help of the Agricultural Technology Center and cooperative members, I was able to succeed in cultivation,” sharing his thoughts on the harvest.
Jo Hyunja, director of the county Agricultural Technology Center, stated, “Cantaloupe melons have better fertilizer absorption than general Earl's series melons and are easier to cultivate in areas with good soil fertility. We will do our best to enhance the effects of the pilot project through improving continuous cropping disorders and soil fertility.”
Meanwhile, Gokseong cantaloupe melons can be found at large supermarkets such as Lotte Mart.
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