Groundbreaking of 'Gyeongnam Smart Farm Innovation Valley,' the Hub of the 4th Agricultural Revolution

On the afternoon of the 28th, Governor Kim Kyung-soo delivered a greeting at the groundbreaking ceremony of the 'Gyeongnam Intelligent Farm Complex Innovation District' held in Miryang.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Ju Cheol-in] An intelligent farm complex innovation district, the 'Gyeongnam Smart Farm Innovation Valley,' equipped with agricultural technology, production, and logistics systems as well as research and development, will be established in Miryang, Gyeongnam.

On the afternoon of the 28th, Gyeongnam Province held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Gyeongnam Smart Farm Innovation Valley project at the Gyeongnam Agricultural Resources Management Institute in Samrangjin-eup, Miryang City.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Governor Kim Kyung-soo, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Kim Hyun-soo, Miryang Mayor Park Il-ho, Chairman of the Gyeongnam Provincial Council Kim Ha-yong, agricultural organizations, and about 150 others.

The Smart Farm Innovation Valley is a project that integrates information and communication technology (ICT) into the entire process from production to processing and distribution of agricultural, forestry, livestock, and fishery products.

The Gyeongnam Smart Farm Innovation Valley, promoted as one of the government's eight core innovation growth tasks, was selected last year along with Goheung in Jeonnam.

On the afternoon of the 28th, Kim Hyun-soo, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, delivered a greeting at the groundbreaking ceremony of the 'Gyeongnam Intelligent Farm Complex Innovation District' held in Miryang.

In his commemorative speech, Minister Kim Hyun-soo of the Ministry of Agriculture said, "Smart agriculture will lead the innovative growth of our agriculture and rural areas and become a driving force for balanced regional development," promising, "We will spare no support."

Governor Kim Kyung-soo stated, "During the attraction process, there were concerns that existing farmers might face difficulties, but this project is about passing on technology to young people to help them settle and revitalize our rural areas," adding, "I promise that existing farmers will not suffer due to smart farm-produced agricultural products."

Governor Kim also suggested, "It is necessary for the government to support so that those settling in rural areas do not worry about farmland issues," and proposed, "If the government secures land and leases it at low cost, it will be a great help to young farmers."

Miryang Mayor Park Il-ho said, "The Miryang region's name contains 'light,' making it an optimal place for farming," and pledged, "We will strive to create the smart 6th industry 'capital Miryang' through the Innovation Valley."

The Gyeongnam Smart Farm Innovation Valley will be established on a 47.4-hectare site around Imcheon-ri, Miryang. Infrastructure will be developed on 22.1 hectares, and key facilities such as rental smart farms, youth education and management-type smart farms, demonstration smart farms, and the Innovation Valley support center will be constructed.

On the remaining 25.3 hectares, Miryang City will promote modernization projects for horticulture facilities and create rural homes for young people.

The main crops cultivated in the Gyeongnam Smart Farm are strawberries, tomatoes, and paprika. These crops are grown for export, not domestic consumption. The province expects that establishing the Smart Farm Innovation Valley will not only strengthen agricultural competitiveness but also encourage the influx of young people into rural areas.