"Improving Food Crop Self-Sufficiency"…Government Expands Wheat Certified Seed Supply by 22%

Supply of 3,600 Tons of 12 Winter Crop Varieties in 2023... Wheat Increases by 420 Tons

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Kim Hyewon] The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on the 6th that it will produce and supply 3,600 tons of 12 varieties of certified seeds of wheat, barley, and rye for winter sowing in 2023 to improve the self-sufficiency rate and quality enhancement of food crops.

The government's production and supply plan for certified seeds was determined by considering government policy directions such as food crop supply and demand trends, increasing the self-sufficiency rate of domestic wheat, and quality enhancement, as well as reflecting the results of local government demand surveys targeting farmers.

For wheat, in line with changes in the dietary habits of the public and to increase food self-sufficiency through the expansion of domestic wheat production and consumption, it plans to produce and supply 2,320 tons of 3 varieties, a 22% increase compared to this year.

By variety, 1,300 tons of Saegeumgang, 640 tons of Baekgang, and 380 tons of Geumgang will be supplied. Among these, Saegeumgang, suitable for paddy field cultivation and used for noodles, and Baekgang, which has high demand for baking, will increase by 44% and 42% respectively compared to this year.

Barley will be supplied with 1,180 tons of 8 varieties, reduced by 60 tons compared to this year, reflecting farmers' demand. Rice barley includes 925 tons of 4 varieties such as Hwinchalssal, hulled barley includes 205 tons of 3 varieties such as Keunalbori 1ho, and feed barley includes 50 tons of 1 variety.

Rye, advantageous for double cropping in paddy fields and resistant to cold damage and diseases, will supply 100 tons of the early maturing Gogu variety.

Ahn Hyung-geun, Director of the Seed and Life Industry Division at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, said, "We will continue to increase the production of certified seeds focusing on varieties needed by farmers and preferred by consumers, striving to raise farm income and satisfy the tastes of the public."