Gyeongju City Bets on New Sweet Persimmon Varieties to Challenge Japanese Dominance
A new initiative to cultivate and distribute high-sugar, domestically-grown sweet persimmons in the Gyeongju region of South Korea aims to revitalize the local industry and reduce reliance on imported Japanese varieties.
Gyeongju City announced on Thursday, May 16th, an expansion of pilot programs focused on new sweet persimmon varieties, partnering with the Sangju Persimmon Research Institute of the Gyeongbuk Agricultural Research and Extension Services. The project seeks to bolster farm income and enhance the competitiveness of the local sweet persimmon sector through targeted cultivation support and the introduction of superior fruit.
Shifting Away from Japanese Varieties
For years, the South Korean sweet persimmon market has been heavily influenced by Japanese cultivars like ‘Taechu’ and ‘Buyu’. Recognizing the need to strengthen domestic production, Gyeongju City initiated a pilot program last November, supplying 500 seedlings of the ‘Gampung’ and ‘Sweet Polly’ varieties to local farms. This move was designed to assess the viability of cultivating sweet persimmons preferred by consumers, while simultaneously reducing dependence on foreign imports.
The varieties being introduced are the result of research and development by the Rural Development Administration, boasting a sugar content exceeding 16°Bx. Officials anticipate these new cultivars will rival, and potentially surpass, Japanese varieties in both taste and quality.
Introducing ‘Gampung’, ‘Sweet Polly’, and ‘Bonghwang’
The pilot program focuses on three promising varieties, each with unique characteristics:
- Gampung: This variety produces exceptionally large fruit, weighing over 400g, with a firm texture and excellent flavor profile, making it highly marketable.
- Sweet Polly: Known for its crunchy texture and high sugar content, ‘Sweet Polly’ also offers practical benefits for growers, serving as a valuable source of moisture during cultivation.
- Bonghwang: Distinguished by its rare oval shape, ‘Bonghwang’ is considered relatively easy to cultivate, exhibiting a low susceptibility to common physiological disorders like stem lifting and microcracks.
“We are selecting and distributing excellent varieties suitable for the climate and soil of the Gyeongju region,” stated Kim Jeong-pil, head of the Gyeongju City Agricultural Technology Center. “We will increase farm income and strengthen the competitiveness of the local sweet persimmon industry through field-oriented cultivation technology support.”
This strategic investment in domestic sweet persimmon varieties represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and competitive agricultural landscape in Gyeongju City.
