This Year’s Chili Pepper Production Increases by 10.4%... Cultivation Area Hits 'Record Low'

This Year, Chili Pepper Production per 10a Increased by 13.3%
Sesame Production Increased Despite Reduced Cultivation Area
Highland Potato Production Decreased Due to High Temperature Impact

The annual chili pepper production, which had been declining since 2021, rebounded this year, increasing by 10.4%. Favorable weather conditions led to an increase in yield per unit area. However, the cultivation area for chili peppers continued to decrease, recording the smallest area ever this year. The cultivation area for sesame also hit a record low since related statistics began.

In August, a resident was drying chili peppers on the Namdaecheon riverbank in Noam-dong, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do. Photo by Yonhap News

According to the "2024 Chili Pepper, Sesame, and Highland Potato Production Survey Results" announced by Statistics Korea on the 22nd, the production of dried red chili peppers reached 68,074 tons this year, a 10.4% increase compared to the previous year. Although the chili pepper cultivation area decreased by 2.6% to 26,430 hectares, the yield per 10 ares (258 kg) increased by 13.3%, resulting in the overall production increase.

Chili pepper production had shown a negative trend for three consecutive years since 2021 (92,757 tons) but rebounded this year. Statistics Korea explained that unlike last year, favorable weather conditions and reduced pest damage led to an increase in yield per unit area. By region, Gyeongbuk (18,379 tons) accounted for the largest share, representing 27.0% of the national production.

The chili pepper cultivation area decreased despite rising chili prices due to factors such as increased production costs. A Statistics Korea official stated, "The chili pepper cultivation area has been steadily decreasing recently," and added, "This year's cultivation area is the smallest ever recorded since statistics began in 1975."

Sesame production increased by 0.3% to 9,002 tons. Although the cultivation area (18,856 hectares) decreased by 11.4% compared to the previous year, the yield per 10 ares (48 kg) increased by 13.3%. Favorable weather conditions, such as reduced rainfall during the flowering and fruiting periods in July and August, contributed to the increased yield per 10 ares. However, like chili peppers, the sesame cultivation area has been on a downward trend, resulting in this year recording the smallest area ever since related statistics began in 1985.

Highland potato production decreased slightly by 0.2% to 126,399 tons. Although the cultivation area (3,928 hectares) increased by 2.4% compared to the previous year, the yield per 10 ares (3,218 kg) decreased by 2.6%, leading to a slight decline in total production. This is due to poor potato growth caused by rising temperatures in the main production area of Gangwon Yeongseo, which is vulnerable to heat. By region, Gangwon (126,202 tons) accounted for 99.8% of the national production.