Muju County Completes Distribution of 'Multi-purpose Sunshade Nets'

"Supporting Stable Farming for Fruit Growers"

Muju County in North Jeolla Province has completed the distribution of 'multi-purpose sunshade nets' to proactively respond to climate change and support stable farming for fruit growers.

Exterior view of Muju County Office. Provided by Muju County

According to the county on July 2, the sunshade nets lower the internal temperature of orchards by more than 3°C, reducing sunburn damage by over 10%. They are also known to increase fruit coloration rates and prevent fruit drop caused by hail.

The sunshade nets were installed in two orchards (0.8 hectares) cultivating the Hongro variety, which is vulnerable to heat waves in summer. A total project cost of 100 million won was invested. Choi (39), a young farmer who participated in the sunshade net pilot project, said, "There used to be a lot of fruit discarded due to sunburn damage, but with the installation of the sunshade nets, I feel less worried." He added, "The shade inside the nets has also made farm work much easier."

The county has been promoting the sunshade net distribution pilot project since 2022. To date, it has supplied sunshade nets to nine farms over three phases, covering a total area of 3 hectares, taking a leading role in responding to climate change.

Shin Sangbeom, head of the Agricultural Technology Center, emphasized, "With the number of heatwave days increasing every year due to abnormal climate conditions, concerns about fruit crop damage are growing. Sunburn damage occurring during summer heatwaves is mainly caused by prolonged exposure of fruit surfaces to direct sunlight at temperatures above 32°C, which can lead to secondary damage such as anthracnose, ultimately becoming a major cause of reduced yields for farmers."

He added, "In addition to sunshade nets, we will continue to identify and distribute pilot projects that can proactively respond to climate change to support Muju's farmers."