(Gwangju=Yonhap News) Reporter Jang A-reum = The Rural Development Administration (RDA) Jeonnam Regional Headquarters announced on the 17th that it will create the largest smart farm complex in the nation across seven cities and counties in Jeonnam.
The RDA is investing a total of 145.1 billion won to promote smart farms utilizing advanced equipment in Goheung, Jangan, Sinan, Yeongam, and Gangjin.
This will account for approximately 32% of the nationwide smart farm distribution area.
Currently, the construction of an advanced unmanned automation demonstration complex (54.3 hectares) in Naju has been completed, and the Goheung Smart Farm Innovation Valley (33.4 hectares) is set to be completed in September and handed over to Goheung County.
In addition, the "Smart Agriculture Mega Cluster" is being established, including the Goheung-Sinan Smart Horticulture Complex (16.6 hectares), Goheung Smart Livestock ICT (19.1 hectares), Jangan Smart Agriculture Promotion Complex (12.9 hectares), Sinan-Yeongam Regional Specialized Rental Smart Farm (15.4 hectares), and Gangjin-Yeongam Young Farmer Rental Smart Farm Project (0.7 hectares).
The RDA Jeonnam Regional Headquarters is expanding rental smart farms for young people and new farmers to reduce initial burdens, and is also leading the realization of an intelligent agricultural system incorporating information and communication technology (ICT) environmental control technology and the establishment of a carbon-neutral digital agriculture foundation.
Kim Jae-sik, head of the RDA Jeonnam Regional Headquarters, said, "Jeonnam is the largest agricultural region in the country," and "We will drive the development of future-oriented smart agriculture to improve farmers' income, revitalize the regional economy, and attract young people."
areum@yna.co.kr