Chungcheongnam-do Agricultural Research & Extension Services announced that its self-developed intermediate-sticky, fragrant rice variety, 'Hyangjinju,' is once again being exported to the Netherlands.

On May 15th, the research center reported the completion of the shipment of 16 tons of Hyangjinju at the headquarters of Saedulman Co., Ltd., an agricultural corporation located in Gobuk-myeon, Seosan-si. This marks the second consecutive export achievement following the initial shipment in early April, demonstrating the sustained positive reception and trust that Chungnam's premium rice is receiving in the international market.

Hyangjinju has been highly rated for its quality indicators, including gloss, stickiness, protein content, and perfect grain ratio. It is a regionally customized variety optimized for the climate and environment of Chungnam.

To ensure the rapid expansion and quality maintenance of Hyangjinju, the research center is systematically managing the cultivation area and implementing a 'standard implementation system' starting this year to prevent quality degradation due to indiscriminate expansion.

In conjunction, it is also pursuing a strategy to enhance the brand value of Hyangjinju and strengthen consumer trust in Chungnam rice overall by maintaining quality standards through contract cultivation with cities and counties.

This initiative aims to establish a virtuous cycle of 'variety differentiation → systematic quality management → improved consumer satisfaction → enhanced price competitiveness → increased farmer income.'

Furthermore, it is actively expanding overseas export channels to address the issue of domestic rice overproduction.

Kim Hak-heon, Director of Research and Development at the Chungcheongnam-do Agricultural Research & Extension Services, stated, "The export of Hyangjinju is a representative success model where research and development outcomes have led to actual increases in farm income and the strengthening of regional industrial competitiveness. We will continue to focus our research capabilities on developing Chungnam-specialized rice varieties that are suitable for Chungnam's natural environment and have marketability and export potential."