Jeju Island's mandarin orange sector is grappling with climate change-induced challenges that have disrupted cultivation practices. This year, prolonged tropical nights and elevated temperatures have delayed harvests and affected fruit quality, prompting farmers to adapt their agricultural techniques.
Hyun Jong-ho from the Namwon Agricultural Product Center explained, "Mandarins develop their yellow color when nighttime temperatures fall below 20 degrees Celsius. This year's prolonged heat has reduced the quantity of harvest-ready mandarins." The Korea Meteorological Administration reported 63 tropical nights from July to September, nearly double the previous year's count, with 21.4 heatwave days during this period.
In response, Jeju authorities have revised regulations to permit the sale of green mandarins that meet specific sweetness criteria, alongside adjusted size and quality standards. This measure is expected to slightly increase the harvested volume, with open-field production estimated at 408,000 tons, up from 398,000 tons in 2023.
Despite these adjustments, erratic weather continues to pose challenges, including reduced fruit size and delayed coloring. To mitigate these issues, the Agricultural Research Institute for Climate Change Adaptation has introduced 58 subtropical crops, identifying 17 promising varieties such as mangoes, passion fruit, and dragon fruit. Researcher Han Hyun-hee emphasized the need to develop new varieties and expand subtropical farming techniques to address the declining cultivation areas for traditional crops.
Transitioning to subtropical fruits presents challenges, including the need for expensive greenhouses and a departure from traditional mandarin farming methods. "Farmers remain hesitant to switch to subtropical crops due to higher initial investments and unfamiliar farming practices," Han noted.
Mandarins significantly contribute to Jeju's economy, accounting for 55.8 percent of the island's total agricultural revenue in 2023, generating approximately $1.32 billion. The 2024 Jeju Citrus Expo, celebrating its 12th year, aims to advance the Mandarin industry and foster global collaboration, underscoring mandarins' role in Jeju's heritage and resilience, as emphasized by event chairman Ko Byung-gi.
Source: The Korea Herald