This year, apple and pear production is expected to increase compared to last year. However, persimmon production, primarily in Gyeongnam province, may decline due to damage from heat waves and drought.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on August 20 that the overall yield of major fruits is stable, indicating a reliable supply.
The Korea Rural Economic Institute projected earlier this month that apple production would reach 487,100 tons, an 8.7% increase from the previous year. Pear production is expected to be 200,000 tons, up 1.3%, while persimmon production is forecasted at 96,300 tons, a 7.0% increase.
Despite the recent heat and drought damage, apple and pear production is still expected to exceed last year's levels. However, persimmon yields may decrease depending on the extent of the damage.
As of 8 a.m. on August 19, 99.2% of the reported heat damage to apples, pears, and persimmons occurred in Gyeongnam. The damage report ratio for persimmons was the highest at 17.2%, followed by pears at 0.6% and apples at 0.2%.
Gyeongnam accounts for 67.6% of the national persimmon cultivation area. Prolonged high temperatures and drought have caused sunburn and poor growth in some orchards. However, rainfall since August 15 in the southern region has alleviated some drought conditions, and it is expected that fruits with less damage will recover.
The damage to apples and pears, which are essential products for the Chuseok holiday, is relatively limited. The Gyeongnam Agricultural Technology Institute estimates that the damage rate for these two items is below 5%, and it is not expected to significantly impact the national supply. However, if high temperatures and humidity persist after the rainfall, there may be an outbreak of diseases and pests, necessitating pest control measures.
With increased shipments, apple prices have dropped compared to last year. The average daily intake of the early-season Tsugaru apple in mid-August was 106 tons, a 20.5% increase from the previous year. The wholesale price is 45,819 won per 10 kg, down 18.1%, while the retail price is 19,009 won for 10 apples, a decrease of 28.6%.
The wholesale price of the early-season pear variety, Wonhwang, is 9.0% higher than last year but is showing a downward trend with increased shipments. The price for 15 kg dropped from 70,696 won on August 3 to 48,452 won on August 19. The retail price is 32,280 won for 10 pears, down 3.2% from the previous year.
The government is providing discounts of up to 50% on agricultural chemicals and nutrients through 62 agricultural cooperatives in major fruit-producing areas. This year's support scale has increased by 12.0% compared to last year.
In preparation for Chuseok, the government plans to distribute designated shipment quantities of apples and pears and promote discounts on holiday gift sets. They aim to manage shipment timing and quantities to prevent price increases due to seasonal demand.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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