Jeju Farmer Says, "No Choice But to Discard... It's Upsetting"
As record-breaking heatwaves continue across the country, a phenomenon occurred in Jeju Island where mini pumpkins ripened in the field before they could be harvested.
A farmer operating a farm in Hangyeong-myeon, Jeju City, posted a video on their social media account on July 10, along with the caption, "It's so hot that the mini pumpkins have ripened in the field."
A photo of sweet pumpkins ripening in the field before harvest at a farm in Jeju due to consecutive heatwaves. Instagram capture
The video shows mini pumpkins still hanging from their vines, not yet harvested, but already a deep yellow as if just taken out of a steamer. The farmer, seemingly in disbelief, cut into the pumpkin with scissors to check the inside, but found that it had already become soft and fully ripened.
The farmer explained, "I went to harvest the second batch of mini pumpkins, but with the ongoing heatwave warnings, I saw many pumpkins that had been affected by the heat." They added, "Just to be sure, I poked one, and it really was cooked through." The farmer continued, "Even so, because it's the 'Bowujjang' variety, it ripened with a fluffy texture like chestnuts."
As crops are exposed to prolonged high temperatures, heat damage such as ripening in the field or bursting skins is increasing. Pumpkins that have changed to a darker color due to heat are classified as so-called "ugly produce" (crops that lack external appearance but have the same taste and nutrition) and can be sold at lower prices. However, pumpkins that have burst from internal expansion are reportedly difficult to ship.
The farmer lamented, "There is actually quite a lot that has to be discarded," and added, "I have no choice but to throw it away. It's upsetting."
Online users who saw the post reacted with comments such as, "You must have worked so hard, it's a shame," "What a waste," and "It seems our country is becoming tropical now."
Meanwhile, in Jeju, heatwave warnings have been in effect for the twelfth consecutive day since July 18. The tropical night phenomenon, where temperatures do not drop at night, has continued for fifteen days in Seogwipo City since July 15, and for twelve days in Jeju City since July 18.
With high temperatures expected to continue, emergency measures are being taken for crop management. The Jeju Agricultural Research and Extension Services emphasized that to reduce damage such as poor growth and fruit bursting, it is important to water crops sufficiently and regularly, and to lower temperatures in greenhouses using shading nets and shading agents.
They also explained that hoses used for watering or spraying pesticides can become heated by the intense sun, causing hot water to damage crops. Therefore, it is safer to drain the water from hoses before use.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
