(Photo by Adriano Rosa on Unsplash) The cultivation of subtropical crops in South Korea has expanded from 295 hectares in 2021 to 3,306 hectares in 2023, including 67 banana farms. Next to growing bananas they are also experimenting with other tropical crops such as papayas. The reason? Rising temperatures which now make it possible to cultivate crops that would never have been successful in the past.
Let’s have a look at what happened.
Rising temperatures in South Korea
South Korea has been experiencing notable temperature increases, making 2023 the hottest year on record for the country. The average annual temperature reached 13.7°C, surpassing the previous record of 13.4°C set in 2016. This rise in temperature is part of a broader trend driven by global warming, which has been affecting South Korea since the mid-20th century.
The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) reported that all months in 2023 recorded higher average temperatures compared to the 30-year average, with some months showing temperatures largely above the historical norms. For example, March 2023 had an average temperature of 9.3°C, which was 3.3°C higher than the long-term average for that month. Additionally, the summer of 2023 saw extended periods of extreme heat, contributing to the record-setting annual temperatures.
Increased temperatures are also associated with more intense and frequent weather events, including heavier rainfall and more severe heatwaves. South Korea saw its third-highest annual rainfall in 2023, with particularly intense monsoon seasons. These changing weather patterns are linked to broader climatic shifts, impacting everything from agriculture to daily life.
Domestically Grown Tropical and Subtropical Crops on the Rise
Traditionally South Korea’s climate was not naturally suited for growing many tropical and subtropical fruits. It meant that domestic production was minimal, and reliance on imports was high, leading to higher prices due to scarcity.
Traditionally, the country’s climate supported the cultivation of temperate fruits like apples, grapes, and pears. However, warmer temperatures have prompted a shift towards crops such as mangoes, bananas, and passion fruits. But things didn’t happen overnight.
The shift was driven by both necessity and opportunity: the changing climate makes it harder to grow traditional temperate crops, while also creating favorable conditions for tropical fruits that were previously impractical to cultivate in South Korea
As temperatures in South Korea rise due to climate change, some farmers are looking to grow crops usually more suited to warmer weather https://t.co/qWDI4BC1lK pic.twitter.com/txqd3i7TlD
— Reuters (@Reuters) August 7, 2024
Nevertheless, most South Korean farmers had modest hopes when they started to plant subtropical bananas, but rising temperatures due to climate change did bring unexpected blooms and fruit. To protect their crops from cold winters, the farmers still rely on greenhouses, a common practice among farmers exploring tropical crops suited for warmer climates.
Between 2021 and 2023, the area dedicated to subtropical crops surged from 295 hectares to 3,306 hectares. Notably, 67 banana farms have been established in the southern regions of South Korea.
The Research Institute of Climate Change and Agriculture on Jejudo is at the forefront of studying which tropical fruits can thrive in South Korea’s evolving climate. This research aims to identify crops that can be grown profitably and sustainably, reducing the overall environmental impact and improving food security.
Rising Temperatures in South Korea
South Korea, known for its four distinct seasons, is experiencing warmer and wetter conditions year-round. The Korea Meteorological Administration reported a continuous warming trend since 2012, with the average annual temperature reaching a record high of 13.7°C in 2022. Rainfall during the monsoon season nearly doubled the annual average, indicating significant climate shifts.
For the farmers it’s key to adapt to these changing conditions by selecting suitable crop varieties. This shift not only aids farmers but also benefits consumers by potentially lowering the cost of tropical and subtropical fruits, which are typically expensive in South Korea due to import.
The shift towards cultivating tropical crops in South Korea due to rising temperatures presents an ironic twist, but is also pure reality. As humans we also need to adapt.
Worldwide phenomenon
The phenomenon of shifting crop types due to climate change is happening in many countries around the world. As temperatures rise and weather patterns become more unpredictable, farmers are adapting by cultivating crops better suited to the new conditions.
Here are some examples:
Europe
- United Kingdom: Farmers are increasingly growing crops such as maize, sunflowers, and even grapes for wine production, which were previously not viable in the cooler UK climate. This change is driven by rising temperatures and longer growing seasons.
- France: The renowned wine regions of France, like Bordeaux, are experimenting with grape varieties that can withstand higher temperatures and drought conditions. Traditional varieties are struggling with the changing climate, leading to a shift in cultivation practices.
North America
- United States: In California, a region already known for its diverse agriculture, farmers are planting more heat-tolerant crops such as almonds, pistachios, and olives. These crops require less water and can thrive in the warmer climate conditions prevalent in the region.
- Canada: Canadian farmers are beginning to grow crops typically associated with warmer climates, such as corn and soybeans, further north than ever before. The extended growing seasons and warmer temperatures have made this possible.
Africa
- Kenya: Kenyan farmers are shifting from traditional crops like maize to more drought-resistant varieties such as sorghum and millet. These changes are crucial for food security in the face of increasingly unreliable rainfall patterns .
- South Africa: Wine producers in South Africa are also experimenting with different grape varieties that are more resilient to higher temperatures and less water-dependent, ensuring the sustainability of their vineyards.
Asia
- India: Indian farmers are diversifying their crops to include more heat-tolerant varieties such as pearl millet and finger millet. These crops are better suited to the hotter and drier conditions becoming more common in parts of the country.
- China: In regions like the Yangtze River Valley, farmers are starting to grow more tropical fruits such as lychees and mangoes as warmer temperatures extend northward.
Basically we can say that there is a global trend where agriculture is adapting to the realities of climate change. Farmers and agricultural researchers are also continuously exploring new crop varieties and innovative farming practices to sustain food production in a rapidly changing climate.