South Korean farmers suffer heavy losses as heatwave damages crops

Farmers across South Korea are facing severe crop damage as relentless heatwaves scorch the land. In Sapgyo-eup, Yesan County, apple farmer In Jae-pyeong described how his apples are turning brown and appearing bruised due to severe sunscald, a condition exacerbated by temperatures reaching 35.6 degrees Celsius (96.1 Fahrenheit).

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The leaves are burning, so the apples can't withstand it. Even misting until 4 p.m. is useless.

In Jae-pyeong estimates that 20% of his crop is affected, noting that the constant heat, with scorching sun during the day and tropical nights, leaves the apple trees no time to recover. The sunscalded apples cannot be stored long-term and are difficult to sell through normal distribution channels. He has begun harvesting early-ripening apples a week earlier than usual, stating, "The leaves are burning, so the apples can't withstand it. Even misting until 4 p.m. is useless."

Even farmers employing advanced cooling systems are not immune. In Gongju City, farmer Lim Yu-bin, who grows leafy greens in a 1,000-pyeong (approximately 3,300 square meters) facility, relies on water and air cooling equipment. Despite maintaining a cool environment, his greens grow too quickly without developing sufficient weight and quality, impacting their market value. His July sales dropped by nearly 30% year-on-year, from 17 million won to 12 million won.

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The leaves are burning, so the apples can't withstand it. Even misting until 4 p.m. is useless.

Lim Yu-bin anticipates higher costs as he runs his cooling systems more intensely than in previous years to maintain the necessary water temperature below 23 degrees Celsius for hydroponic cultivation. He expects his July electricity bill to exceed 3 million won, a significant increase from last year's 2.5 million won. The prolonged heatwave, with some areas experiencing over two weeks of continuous high temperatures and one county issuing a severe heatwave warning, is forcing many indoor farmers to consider cooling systems as essential rather than optional.

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The leaves are burning, so the apples can't withstand it. Even misting until 4 p.m. is useless.