High-Quality Saechungmu Rice Developed by Jeollanam-do
Occupies 62% of Regional Cultivation Area and 17% Nationwide
Outstanding Taste and Quality
Expansion into National Distribution Networks and Overseas Exports, Including Hetbahn Launch
Jeollanam-do, a leading region in South Korea's rice industry, has entered the full-scale harvest season for its main variety, 'Saechungmu' rice. 'Saechungmu' is a strategic variety that Jeollanam-do is actively promoting due to its excellent taste and superior quality.
Saechungmu rice, developed in 2017 by the Jeollanam-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services, accounts for 62% of the rice cultivation area in Jeollanam-do and 17% of the nationwide single variety area. Its most notable features are its cultivation stability, superior taste compared to other varieties, excellent stickiness, large and glossy grains, making it increasingly recognized among consumers who prioritize health and among rice farmers.
Saechungmu rice swept both the Presidential Award and the Prime Minister's Award at the 26th National High-Quality Rice Production Excellence Farmers Selection Contest. This year, 9 out of the 10 'Top 10 High-Quality Brand Rice of Jeollanam-do,' which has been ongoing for 23 years, are Saechungmu varieties.
Saechungmu rice maintains a minimum protein content of 5.62%, which is a key standard for selecting delicious rice. The top 10 high-quality brand rice products from Jeollanam-do also show an average protein content of 6.0%, the highest grade. With the mandatory regulation of rice protein content set to begin in 2027, the distribution of Jeollanam-do rice is expected to expand.
To promote the consumption of Saechungmu rice, Jeollanam-do supplied 130 tons of Saechungmu rice to Yam Saem Gimbap, provided sample rice, and supported the production of store plaques (stickers), thereby establishing a stable supply base linked to national distribution networks. The province also signed a productization agreement with CJ CheilJedang to supply 10,000 tons and launched Hetbahn using Saechungmu rice.
Recognized for its quality, about 1,008 tons of Saechungmu rice have been exported not only domestically but also to the United States, Japan, Mongolia, and France. With growing demand, the province plans to further expand its export markets.
Park Sangmi, Director of Food and Agriculture Distribution at Jeollanam-do, emphasized, "Saechungmu rice is a representative brand cultivated with care by Jeollanam-do farmers," and added, "We will actively support Saechungmu rice so that it will be loved by consumers nationwide for both its taste and quality."
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