Seosan City, a key potato-producing region in South Korea, has taken a major step toward securing the future of its potato industry by successfully cultivating 30 tons of ‘Geumseon’ seed potatoes—a high-starch, flavorful, and twice-croppable variety. Developed by the Rural Development Administration (RDA), this new cultivar addresses the declining productivity of the traditional ‘Sumi’ potato, which has suffered from degeneration and yield instability due to prolonged cultivation.
Why ‘Geumseon’ is a Game-Changer
- Double-Cropping Capability: Unlike conventional varieties, ‘Geumseon’ breaks dormancy in 60–70 days, allowing farmers to plant a second crop in the same year—boosting annual yields.
- Superior Quality: High starch content and a fluffy, savory texture make it ideal for both fresh markets and processing.
- Climate Resilience: With rising temperatures and erratic weather threatening global potato production (FAO, 2023), resilient varieties like ‘Geumseon’ are critical for food security.
From Lab to Field: A 3-Stage Success Story
Seosan’s achievement followed a meticulous 3-year process:
- 2022: Tissue-cultured meristems produced disease-free starter plants.
- 2023: Aeroponic cultivation scaled up seed stock.
- 2024: Drip-irrigated box farming secured elite seed potatoes for mass propagation.
By June 2024, the city harvested 30 metric tons of certified seeds, now in cold storage for distribution to local farmers by February 2026.
Strategic Impact on Seosan’s Agriculture
Seosan isn’t just replacing ‘Sumi’—it’s pioneering a high-value seed potato industry using smart farming technologies. This shift reduces reliance on imported seeds and mitigates risks from climate change and monoculture.
Park Jong-sin, Seosan’s Agricultural Technology Director, emphasized: “This isn’t just about higher yields—it’s about securing sustainable incomes for farmers and reinforcing Seosan as a leader in smart agriculture.”
Global Context: The Push for Future-Proof Potatoes
Globally, potato yields are under pressure from heat stress and soil degradation (International Potato Center, 2024). Innovations like ‘Geumseon’ align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2) by promoting climate-smart crops.
A Model for Sustainable Farming
Seosan’s success with ‘Geumseon’ demonstrates how innovation, strategic planning, and technology can transform agricultural challenges into opportunities. For farmers, agronomists, and policymakers, this case study underscores the importance of investing in resilient crop varieties and advanced propagation methods to ensure long-term food security.
