With the application of potting soil for rice from Nongkyung Co., Ltd. (CEO Koo Ja-kyun), a domestic company specializing in potting soil, to the rice farming demonstration project being promoted by Buyeo County in cooperation with Namangan Province in Uzbekistan, the overseas field demonstration of Korean agricultural materials and technology is set to begin in earnest.
This project is part of the rice farming demonstration complex development project in Namangan Province, Uzbekistan, currently being promoted by Buyeo County, and involves the phased application of cultivation techniques and agricultural materials suitable for the local agricultural environment.
In particular, to secure a stable growth environment during the seedling stage, which is the starting point of rice cultivation, a potting soil for agricultural rice cultivation is being introduced on a trial basis.
Potting soil for rice cultivation is characterized by enhanced stability in the early stages of seedling growth based on moisture retention, aeration, and a uniform particle structure.
It is evaluated as a foundational material capable of reducing the risk of cultivation failure in overseas agricultural sites characterized by high climate variability and inconsistent growing conditions, and is being utilized as a key material for establishing a stable seedling environment in this pilot project.
In this regard, on the 22nd of last month, the Buyeo County Uzbekistan Rice Farming Demonstration Complex Promotion Team visited Nongkyung to inspect the company's current status, characteristics of potting soil products, manufacturing processes, and quality control systems.
In particular, focusing on the smart factory completed in September 2024, they examined the automated production lines, quality control systems, and logistics and transportation readiness considering overseas supply, and discussed local applicability and practical cooperation plans.
Buyeo County plans to gradually expand the 'K-Goodtre Agriculture' project, which involves conducting rice farming demonstrations at a local pilot complex of approximately 60 hectares in Namangan Province and applying Korean-style agricultural technology and operational models to the region.
It is evaluated as significant as an example of overseas agricultural cooperation led by a local government and combined with the technological capabilities of private companies.
An agricultural official stated, “The rice farming demonstration complex in Namangan Province, Uzbekistan, is a symbolic example of the actual application of Korean agricultural materials and technology in overseas agricultural fields,” adding, “particularly during the seedling stage, as potting soil serves as the starting point for crop growth,
"It can be an important factor in stabilizing agriculture in developing countries," he said.
This collaboration between Buyeo-gun and Nongkyung serves as an example demonstrating that Korean agricultural technology can make a tangible contribution to agricultural sites in developing countries, and is providing an opportunity to assess the potential for global expansion of K-agriculture, centered on potting soil.
Source: Nongupin (https://www.nongupin.co.kr)