Yoon advocates for increased agricultural productivity through technology

President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday instructed government bodies to raise agriculture productivity especially fisheries with the help of digital and state-of-the-art technologies.

Yoon made the remark during a joint New Year’s policy briefing by the agriculture ministry and the oceans ministry, saying the job of achieving digital transformations should not be left only to the industry ministry or the SMEs ministry.

The meeting was held at the former presidential compound of Cheong Wa Dae.

“It’s very important that the agriculture and oceans ministries also see to it that the industries they oversee are further digitalized, become more high-tech and achieve greater innovations to raise productivity

“Only then will our young people dive into innovations in the agriculture and fisheries sectors, which they previously stayed away from,” Yoon said.

Yoon noted that he has repeatedly called for overcoming this year’s economic challenges through exports and technological innovations.

“I would like the agriculture and fisheries sectors to also strongly push the export drive through industrial advancement and innovation.’’

Meanwhile, Yoon again voiced his objection to an opposition-led bill mandating government purchases of excess rice.

“It’s rational for the government to intervene to some extent in order to stabilise prices and ensure predictability in our farmers’ production.

“I don’t think a Grain Management Act mandating unlimited purchases is desirable for our farming industry in the end.’’