Jangseong-gun Launches Full-Scale Cultivation of New Income Crop 'Jihwang'

In Jangseong-gun, Jeollanam-do, the cultivation of the new high-income crop 'Jihwang' is becoming full-scale.

According to the county on the 17th, 'Jihwang,' the main ingredient of 'Gyeongokgo,' is known as a tonic that helps improve blood circulation. Since COVID-19, interest in health has increased, and the demand for medicinal crops such as Jihwang is on the rise.

Last year, a farmer in Jangseong-gun is holding freshly harvested dried ginseng.
[Photo by Jangseong-gun]

The county has consistently encouraged farmers to cultivate Jihwang in response to this market situation.

It also actively promoted participation in cultivation by supporting agricultural materials necessary for growing the new Jihwang variety 'Togang.'

As a result, this year, more than 8 hectares (ha) of Jihwang cultivation has started in the Jangseong area alone.

When cultivating Jihwang instead of paddy rice, farmers can earn 4 to 5 times higher income.

According to the 2023 Agricultural and Livestock Production Cost Survey, the income from paddy rice is about 650,000 KRW per 10 are (a), whereas the income from Jihwang registered in the Rural Development Administration's Agricultural Management Information System is 3,000,000 KRW per 10 are, showing a significant difference.

Along with increasing farmers' income, it is also expected to have the effect of preventing rice price declines by adjusting rice production volume.

County Governor Kim Han-jong said, "Diversifying income crops is a very effective way to respond to the rapidly changing agricultural environment and conditions," and added, "We will continue to strive to ensure that various income crops can be cultivated through customized support."

Jangseong = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Jo Han-gyu baekok@asiae.co.kr