This year, barley production has increased by more than 47% compared to last year, driven by a significant rise in planting area due to higher prices. Garlic and onion production also saw slight increases thanks to expanded cultivation and favorable growing conditions.
According to the National Data Agency's report on barley, garlic, and onion production released on July 30, this year's barley output reached 135,881 tons, up 43,657 tons (47.3%) from last year's 92,224 tons.
The area planted with barley expanded to 37,250 hectares, a 47.6% increase from the previous year. The rise in planting area was influenced by last year's increase in barley prices during the sowing season. Although initial growth was sluggish due to frequent rainfall and insufficient sunlight, improved weather conditions later on allowed the yield per 10 ares to remain stable at 365 kilograms, similar to last year.
By variety, production of malting barley surged to 29,701 tons, an increase of 82.1% from the previous year, with the planting area up 60.6% and yield per 10 ares rising by 13.4%. Production of feed barley reached 71,274 tons, up 47.6%, while hulless barley production increased by 26.3% to 34,906 tons.
Regionally, Gwangju in South Jeolla Province accounted for 63,000 tons, or 46.1% of total barley production, followed by North Jeolla Province with 54,000 tons (39.5%) and South Gyeongsang Province with 8,000 tons (5.5%).
This year, garlic production rose by 1.2% to 313,685 tons. The planting area increased by 5.6% to 24,232 hectares due to last year's price rise, but yield per unit area decreased by 4.2%.
Initial growth was hampered by frequent rains during the sowing period, and damage occurred as temperatures rose in April and May. The yield per 10 ares fell from 1,351 kilograms last year to 1,295 kilograms this year.
Regionally, South Gyeongsang Province led garlic production with 112,873 tons, making up 36.0% of the total. North Gyeongsang Province produced 71,476 tons (22.8%), and South Chungcheong Province contributed 44,991 tons (14.3%).
Onion production increased by 2.1% to 1,206,553 tons. Despite a 0.7% decrease in planting area to 17,556 hectares due to last year's price drop, favorable weather conditions during the growing season led to a 2.8% increase in yield per 10 ares, reaching 6,873 kilograms.
Gwangju in South Jeolla Province produced 401,382 tons of onions, accounting for 33.3% of the total. South Gyeongsang Province followed with 277,387 tons (23.0%), and North Gyeongsang Province produced 161,844 tons (13.4%). Production in Jeju increased by 30.5% due to higher yields per unit area.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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