Gangjin-gun Begins Full-Scale Purchase of Rice Oats

Expecting 2,000 Tons and 3.5 Billion KRW Revenue This Year... Development of Processed Foods Such as Noodles and Seonsik

[Gangjin=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-su] The purchase of rice oats in Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do, officially began on the 23rd.

Known as a suitable area for cultivating rice oats, which are sensitive to cold, due to its mild weather conditions, Gangjin-gun has firmly established itself as the nation's leading base for the highest quality and largest cultivation area through continuous development of cultivation techniques and expansion of acreage since 2008.

This year, about 250 farms in the region completed harvesting on approximately 700 hectares under contract farming.

Most of the varieties cultivated in Gangjin, known as the number one place for rice oat cultivation, are the ‘Joyang’ variety. However, recent research has shown that the ‘Daeyang’ variety contains 11.9 times more Avn-C (Avenanthramide), a substance that helps prevent dementia, than Joyang. Therefore, the cultivation area of Daeyang was expanded, and about 20 hectares were pilot-cultivated this year.

In particular, last year, through the national project ‘Early Distribution of Functional Rice Oat Varieties and Pilot Project for Production Complex Development,’ a foundation was established for expanding the use of the Daeyang variety and stabilizing the production of raw materials for processed products.

Although the purchase volume slightly decreased this year due to unprecedented drought and above-average temperatures in April, the purchase price increased by 16.6% compared to last year, which is expected to help increase farmers' income.

The county expects rice oats to generate about 2,000 tons and sales revenue of 3.5 billion KRW this year, as rice oats are a high-income winter crop with twice the income compared to barley.

Choi Young-ah, head of the Agricultural Technology Center, said, “We will continue to provide attention and high-quality cultivation techniques to produce the highest quality rice oats,” adding, “We will strive to develop processed products so that many consumers can experience Gangjin rice oats in various forms.”

Meanwhile, Gangjin-gun is accelerating the development of various processed foods such as rice oat noodles, gochujang (red chili paste), powdered grain drinks, rice cakes, bread, syrup, and infusion teas. They are also recruiting tasting panels nationwide to improve taste and nutrition, focusing on production and development.

Gangjin=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-su