The mandarin orange industry on South Korea's Jeju island is grappling with the impacts of climate change, as altered weather patterns complicate traditional farming methods. Extended periods of warm weather and tropical nights are delaying the ripening process and affecting the quality of the fruit, industry reports indicate.
"Mandarins develop their yellow color when nighttime temperatures fall below 20 C," Hyun Jong-ho, a manager at the Namwon Agricultural Product Center in Jeju, noted. The recent heat has led to a decrease in the amount of harvest-ready mandarins, according to Hyun.
The Korea Meteorological Administration recorded 63 tropical nights from July to September, nearly doubling the count from the previous year, and 21.4 heatwave days with temperatures above 33 C during the same timeframe.
Mandarin oranges contribute significantly to Jeju's economy, representing 55.8 percent of the island's total agricultural revenue, which amounted to 1.32 trillion won ($941 million) in 2023. The fruit occupies 35.7 percent of Jeju's arable land, as per the Korea Rural Economic Institute.
The 2024 Jeju Citrus Expo, now in its 12th year, aims to address these challenges through exhibitions and forums focused on climate resilience and the development of new varieties. In response to the changing conditions, Jeju authorities have updated regulations to permit the sale of green mandarin oranges meeting specific sweetness criteria. This adjustment is anticipated to slightly increase the harvested volume despite ongoing concerns about erratic weather patterns affecting fruit size and coloration.
As the island's climate warms, the introduction of subtropical crops is being explored as an alternative. The Agricultural Research Institute for Climate Change Adaptation has identified 17 promising subtropical varieties for Jeju, including mangoes and passion fruit. However, transitioning to these crops poses challenges due to the need for greenhouses and changes in traditional farming practices.
Source: China Daily