Vegetable production training in Korea for participants from across Asia

The KoRAA (Korea Rural Development Administration Alumni Association) program includes researchers and governmental officials working in agriculture or horticulture from the ten KoRAA member countries – Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Mongolia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. Over the years, they have participated in short term and long term training at the Rural Development Administration (RDA) of Korea, to improve vegetable breeding and cultivation technologies in their respective countries. As part of this, the World Vegetable Center, in collaboration with RDA, conducts an annual training program in Korea that aims to establish a strong foundation for agricultural cooperation among the member countries.

The 2024 KoRAA short term training was conducted by World Vegetable Center Korea Office (WKO) conducted in October. During this weeklong training, eight trainees from eight countries developed their skills on vegetable breeding and production technologies. At the opening, Dr Kyung-Tai Lee, Director of the RDA’s International Technology Cooperation Center, welcomed all trainees and expressed his anticipation for sustainable agricultural and horticultural development and to strengthen bonds for cooperation and friendship between Korea and all KoRAA member countries throughout this program. Participants presented experimental results of local adaptability evaluations of varieties of cabbage, chili pepper and tomato obtained from Korea, and shared their knowledge and experience on the cultivation of vegetable crops together with local control varieties.

Over five days, trainees enhanced their knowledge of advanced breeding strategies for target crops, including cabbage, chili pepper, tomato, and cucurbits at two Korean seed companies (Asia Seed and Kyoungnong). They also visited Jeonbuk Smart Farm Innovation Valley and the National Agrobiodiversity Center. Additionally, Participants attended the Korea Seed Expo 2024, exploring demonstration fields filled with improved varieties of horticultural crops and interacting with Korean agricultural companies, gaining a comprehensive understanding of Korea’s seed and agricultural industries.

Dr Seonghoe Jang, Country Director of the World Vegetable Center Korea Office, emphasized the program’s strengths, stating, “This initiative offers crucial information on the growth and postharvest quality of Korean vegetable crops across various climates and soil conditions. As a result, this enhances agricultural diversity by introducing a wider range of crop varieties that are better suited to local climates.” He also expressed hope that this will be a stepping stone for stronger agricultural and horticultural ties among member countries.

Based on feedback received from trainees, the curriculum will be adapted for the next program. Looking forward to the 2025 KoRAA!