The Sejong Agricultural Technology Center is operating a "pear pollen bank" until the 24th to improve the quality of Jochiwon pears, a local specialty. The pear pollen bank supports the production of pollen for artificial pollination to ensure a stable supply of pollen. Artificial pollination is a cultivation technique where pollen from varieties with abundant pollen is collected and artificially pollinated to varieties with less pollen, thereby increasing the fertilization rate and the commercial rate by more than 30%. Pear farmers can use the dedicated equipment provided by the pollen bank for artificial pollination free of charge. The remaining pollen after use is stored in an ultra-low temperature freezer and can be utilized in the following year. Lee Sang-yoon, head of the Fruit Tree Technology Team at the Sejong Agricultural Technology Center, said, "Please actively use the pollen bank for the stable production of high-quality pears." Sejong = Song Hae-chang, reporter songhc@agrinet.co.kr