The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of South Korea has unveiled a strategy to counteract a looming shortage of napa cabbage, crucial for the kimjang season, by initiating imports from China. Starting September 27, these imports will be channeled into both wholesale and retail sectors, prominently featuring at Seoul's Garak Market.
This move is supplemented by efforts to amass a reserve of locally grown cabbage. This response was triggered by a forecasted shortfall in domestic supply, attributed to adverse weather phenomena. A sequence of a prolonged heatwave followed by extensive rainfall has adversely affected napa cabbage cultivation, leading to a spike in prices post-Chuseok festival. Reports indicate a record surge in retail prices, marking a significant year-on-year increase.
Agricultural stakeholders have observed a downturn in crop quality and an escalation in prices, driven by the challenging climatic conditions. The government's comprehensive approach aims at ensuring a consistent supply by managing inventories and integrating imported produce to alleviate shortages.
In the wake of flooding impacting certain crops, the administration is poised to devise tailored strategies for supply stabilization post-damage assessment. The anticipated influx of imported napa cabbage is expected to satisfy commercial demands, thereby alleviating pressure on household supplies and contributing to price stabilization.
Source: Korea JoongAng Daily