Even in mid-September, after Chuseok, the heat wave with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius continued, and vegetable prices, which had risen, are showing no signs of stabilizing.
Cabbage prices are reaching 10,000 won per head, and spinach prices have more than doubled compared to the previous year, increasing the burden of food prices.
According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) Agricultural Product Distribution Information (KAMIS), as of the 19th, the retail price of cabbage was 9,526 won per head, up 72.92% from the previous year (5,509 won) and up 35.33% from the average year (7,039 won).
Prices soared in traditional markets, rising 19.05% from the 13th (8,002 won), just before the Chuseok holiday.
In addition to cabbage, prices of vegetables such as lettuce and spinach were high across the board.
Lettuce rose 22.59% from the previous year (1,731 won) and 25.41% from the average (1,692 won) to 2,122 won per 100g. Spinach rose 48.47% from the previous year (2,511 won) and 101.84% from the average (1,847 won) to 3,728 won per 100g.
The reason for the sharp rise in vegetable prices was found to be the record-breaking heat wave that continued for a long time this year. Due to the abnormal temperature, vegetable growth was delayed and marketability decreased, causing problems in production and raising prices.
In particular, for cabbage, which grows well in low temperatures, the optimal temperature for growth is 18 to 20 degrees Celsius, but this heat wave has caused temperatures in the main production area, Gangwon Province, to exceed 30 degrees Celsius, adversely affecting the growing environment.
In addition, the production volume decreased by 6.6% compared to last year and 8.5% compared to the average year as the summer cabbage cultivation area decreased by 5.3% compared to the previous year and 4.9% compared to the average year, which is also cited as a reason for the price increase.
However, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs predicted that as temperatures across the country drop following the heavy rain that continued until the 21st, the marketability of vegetables that had declined due to the heat wave will improve and prices will stabilize.
Source: www.nextdaily.co.kr
