Jeonnam Province in South Korea has introduced an innovative system that allows garlic and onion farmers to update their cultivation reports and agricultural business information in one go. By registering their 2025 garlic and onion crops, farmers can automatically adjust their farm registration details, ensuring better management of their crops and participation in the province’s agricultural policies.
The cultivation registration system, launched by the Garlic and Onion Self-Management Committee, is designed to support proactive and voluntary crop supply adjustments by producers. This initiative, effective since 2021, allows farmers to submit their farming data for better monitoring and to participate in local crop management efforts.
How the System Works
Farmers who grow garlic and onions on an area larger than 1,000 square meters (approximately 300 pyeong) are required to register their crop cultivation. For those cultivating both garlic and onions, separate reports must be submitted for each crop. This registration process is an essential part of the “Agricultural and Fishery Management Act” which mandates that changes in farm information, such as the type of crop or land use, must be reported to maintain accurate agricultural records.
If farmers fail to report updates on time, they face penalties, including a reduction of 10% in their basic public welfare payments, which can significantly impact their income. Unfortunately, many farmers have neglected this process due to their busy farming schedules or a lack of awareness about the importance of timely registration.
To address this issue, Jeonnam has introduced a convenient solution where farmers can complete the crop registration and automatically update their agricultural business records without needing to submit separate forms. By simply agreeing to the agricultural business update during the crop registration process, farmers can ensure that their business information is current and correct.
Digital Access for Easier Registration
Farmers can submit their registration details through the websites of the Korea Garlic Association and the Korea Onion Association. After entering their personal details, crop location, crop variety, and farming area, farmers can also check the box to confirm the update of their agricultural business records. This digital solution reduces the paperwork and simplifies the registration process for farmers.
Importance of Accurate Crop Data
Yoo Deok-gyu, head of the Jeonnam Food and Horticulture Division, emphasized the importance of accurate cultivation data for garlic and onion farmers. “To implement proactive supply-demand stabilization measures, we need precise information on cultivated areas and production volumes,” Yoo explained. He also urged farmers to actively participate in the registration process to contribute to more effective agricultural management and ensure the stability of the local garlic and onion market.
A Step Forward for Agricultural Management
This new process for garlic and onion farmers in Jeonnam not only helps streamline administrative tasks but also enhances the overall effectiveness of agricultural policies aimed at stabilizing crop supply and demand. By simplifying the registration process and combining it with agricultural business updates, farmers are better equipped to respond to market needs, and authorities can take timely actions to manage crop production. It’s a win-win for farmers and agricultural officials alike.
With increased participation from farmers, Jeonnam’s agricultural management system will likely set a precedent for other regions looking to improve crop monitoring and ensure food security.