(Changwon=Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Sun-kyung = Gyeongnam NH Agricultural Cooperative announced on the 22nd that Jinju rice has been exported to Japan for the first time.
The rice exported to Japan is the 'Yeongho Jinmi' variety of Jinju Dream Rice, with a total export volume of 40 tons (worth 76,000 dollars).
Jinju Dream Rice is recognized as a premium rice by both domestic and foreign consumers due to its moderate stickiness and soft texture.
In preparation for the export, Gyeongnam NH Agricultural Cooperative adjusted the packaging design and weight units to suit local conditions in order to strengthen its consumer-oriented strategy for Japan.
Gyeongnam NH Agricultural Cooperative plans to export a total of 480 tons of Jinju rice to Japan by the end of the year, starting with this export.
Gyeongnam NH Agricultural Cooperative, along with Jinju City, NH Agricultural Cooperative Trade, and the Jinju City Agricultural Cooperative Rice Corporation Joint Business Corporation, has been working closely together to export Jinju rice to Japan.
Gyeongnam NH Agricultural Cooperative has previously exported 180 tons of Hadong rice to Japan.
Ryu Gil-nyeon, head of Gyeongnam NH Agricultural Cooperative, said, "The recognition of Gyeongnam rice in the global market is the fruit of the sweat and efforts of the farmers," and added, "We will strengthen the global competitiveness of Gyeongnam rice through localized packaging and differentiated export strategies."
ksk@yna.co.kr