By Lee Hyo-sik
Staff Reporter
Despite shrinking rice paddies, production of Korea's staple grain this year rose for the first time in four years thanks to favorable weather conditions.
According to the National Statistical Office (NSO) Tuesday, the nation's rice output totaled 4.84 million tons in 2008, up 9.9 percent from 4.4 million tons last year.
The size of rice farmland dropped to 935,000 hectares from 950,000 hectares, but the average rice production per 10 hectares rose 11.6 percent to 520 kilograms from 466 kilograms in 2007, the largest increase since the statistical office began compiling data.
``Despite dwindling farmland, rice output increased considerably on good weather conditions this year. No significant typhoon
passed through the country, the biggest factor behind the better-than-expected harvest,'' an NSO official said.
By region, South Jeolla Province produced the largest amount, 901,000 tons, followed by South Chungchong Province with 896,000 tons and North Jeolla Province with 762,000 tons.
However, the record-high rice harvest is not all good news for farmers because the nation's rice consumption has declined over the years. Koreans' eating patterns have become more Westernized, consuming more meat, fruit and vegetables in place of rice.
Additionally, the consumption of instant food, processed meals and rice substitutes such as bread and noodles has grown as more people prefer to eat something fast and easy-to-prepare due to their hectic lifestyle.
Per capita rice consumption declined 2.4 percent to 76.9 kilograms last year from a year earlier.