This year, Gwangju, Jeonnam, is projected to produce over 738,000 tons of rice, accounting for approximately 21% of the national total. With both the rice cultivation area and production expected to be the largest in the country, stabilizing rice prices during the harvest season and protecting farmers' incomes have become key challenges.
According to Gwangju's local government on October 20, the National Data Agency's '2026 Rice Expected Production Survey' indicates that the rice cultivation area in Gwangju is 148,349 hectares, with an expected production of 738,159 tons, both ranking first among cities and provinces nationwide.
Gwangju's expected rice production represents about 21% of the national forecast of 3,518,000 tons. This means that for every five tons of rice expected to be produced nationwide, approximately one ton will come from Gwangju.
While the national rice cultivation area has decreased, an increase in yield per unit area suggests that the overall decline in rice production will not be significant.
This year, the national rice cultivation area is 670,690 hectares, down 1.1% from last year. However, the expected yield per 10 ares has increased by 0.5% to 525 kilograms, attributed to improved weather conditions.
As a result, the national expected rice production is estimated at 3,518,000 tons, a decrease of 21,000 tons or 0.6% from the previous year.
Despite the reduction in cultivation area, the increase in productivity has limited the overall decline in production.
Given that Gwangju is the largest rice-producing region in the country, fluctuations in rice prices during the harvest season and procurement conditions will significantly impact local farmers' business conditions.
However, a high production volume does not necessarily lead to increased farmer incomes. The actual market price of rice can vary based on actual yields, market demand, and private stock levels.
In response, the Gwangju local government plans to proceed with public rice procurement without delays while closely monitoring supply and stock conditions to address any instability.
The city will collaborate with local governments and agricultural cooperatives to check procurement schedules and shipping conditions, aiming to minimize delays and inconveniences farmers may face during the harvest.
The government will also closely monitor the rice procurement trends of agricultural cooperatives and rice processing complexes (RPCs).
By continuously checking local rice procurement prices, volumes, private stock, and shipping conditions, the government aims to respond to fluctuations in rice prices.
If actual yields exceed expectations or if concerns about oversupply arise due to decreased demand, the government will propose additional supply stabilization measures.
The government plans to request additional procurement measures if a decline in rice prices is confirmed through comprehensive analysis of actual production, consumption demand, stock levels, and price trends.
The Gwangju local government believes that effective management linking production, distribution, and price stability is necessary, given its status as the largest rice-producing area in the country, and plans to strengthen cooperation with relevant agencies.
Son Myung-do, Director of the Agricultural, Livestock, and Food Bureau of Gwangju, stated, "Given that Gwangju has the largest rice cultivation area and expected production in the country, it is crucial to closely monitor the supply situation during the harvest season. We will ensure the smooth implementation of public rice procurement and supply management while working closely with relevant agencies to alleviate farmers' difficulties and stabilize rice supply."
Meanwhile, the results of this survey are based on expected production calculated before the actual harvest is completed, and there may be discrepancies with the final production figures. The Gwangju local government plans to continuously monitor actual yields, rice prices, and procurement trends to reflect them in supply stabilization measures during the harvest season.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.