A prolonged heatwave has battered the Republic of Korea (ROK), disrupting agricultural production and pushing produce prices to record highs. Temperatures in many places in the country have soared as high as 40 degrees Celsius, with the death toll from the extreme heat rising to 20.
The high temperature has taken a toll on local markets, with foot traffic dropping evidently and agricultural prices climbing noticeably. For example, the price for six cucumbers has climbed to 5,000 won (about 3.53 U.S. dollars), up more than 30 percent from a month earlier.
According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries and Food Trade Corporation (aT) on August 5, retail prices for spinach, cucumbers, and radish leaves rose about 30 percent from the previous week.
"It's so hot. The heat is worse than last year. My clothes are completely soaked and it's unbearable. Looking back the past three weeks, vegetable prices have doubled from 1,000 won in last week to 2,000 won in recent days, and quality has suffered too," a local resident said.
In Chungcheongnam-do, a middle province, apple orchards have suffered heat-related crop damage, including poor coloration and sunburn.
In the southeastern city of Ulsan, a major pear-growing region, growth has slowed in some orchards, while grapes in vineyards have even begun to shrivel.
In addition, leafy vegetables such as Chinese cabbage and spinach are particularly sensitive to hot weather, and residents are concerned that if the heat wave continues, the prices will continue to rise.
"Prices have soared and keep changing daily. The sudden heat has added roughly 20 percent to our supply costs," said a vegetable seller.
The prolonged heat has worsened agricultural water shortages across the country. As of Thursday, the capacity of the nation's 3,400 farm reservoirs dropped to 49.6 percent, far below the seasonal norm. Gyeongsangnam-do and Jeju Province are even worse, both under 40 percent, with some reservoirs nearly dry.
To prevent further losses, the ROK's agricultural agencies have formed a joint working team to inspect greenhouses, orchards, livestock facilities, and agricultural water supply systems across the country for potential hazards and to assess their operational status.
ROK vegetable prices surge amid persistent heatwave
ROK vegetable prices surge amid persistent heatwave
ROK vegetable prices surge amid persistent heatwave
