(Uiseong = Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Seon-hyung = Uiseong County in North Gyeongsang Province announced on the 17th that it has begun full-scale harvesting and shipping of plums from mid-this month.
Uiseong is the largest plum production area in the country, with a cultivation area of 1,129 hectares, accounting for 16% of the national plum cultivation area.
Based on last year's figures, production volume was 11,481 tons, with gross revenue (including production costs) of 37.7 billion won.
In particular, this year the county is establishing a 'smart mechanized flat orchard' for local plum farmers, constructing a mechanical harvesting and fine spray system.
Uiseong County Mayor Kim Ju-su said, "This summer's unprecedented heat wave has produced plums with a sugar content of over 13 Brix, which is expected to captivate consumers nationwide," adding, "We will make our plum cultivation area, quality, technology, and distribution the best in the country."
sunhyung@yna.co.kr