Farming Technology

[Anchor Lead]

Rural communities in Korea are transforming as farmers learn techniques from scientists in the provinces. In some cases, production has surged by 40 fold.

[Pkg]

This vegetable greenhouse was created by a former graduate of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology or KAIST. Curtains that open and close automatically as well as artificial light help maintain the temperature and humidity at a consistent level. Five tons of fish are also raised in the greenhouse. The fish are raised to use their excrement as a natural fertilizer to grow the vegetables, which is a farming method called aquaponics. It only costs a fifth of the existing water culture or aquaculture method while production has increased 40-fold. If consumers request online, the vegetables are delivered to their homes. The roots are kept intact so the veggies remain fresh up until ten days.

[Soundbite] Jeon Tae-byeong(President, Agro Venture Firm) : "I'm reviewing models through which I can share this farming system with or sell it to other farmers."

Here at this greenhouse, a device measuring temperature and wind speed is seen attached on the roof. Based on data gathered this way, the greenhouse is automatically open and shut to maintain adequate temperature. This farmer in his 30s will soon graduate from college as he juggled study and work while running 20 of these smart greenhouse structures.

[Soundbite] Jeong Tae-yeob(Runs Korean Melon Farm) : "I have more personal time. It's become easier as automatic motors and system controls have replaced manual labor."

Farmers embracing information technology are boosting the competitiveness of Korean agriculture.