In the world of modern agriculture, smart farms are no longer a vision of the distant future—they are the present. Leading this charge in South Korea is Udomzipam, a company renowned for integrating advanced Information and Communication Technology (ICT) with artificial intelligence (AI) to create highly efficient, data-driven farming environments. With its contributions to the construction of South Korea’s largest smart farm complex, the “Global Horti Complex,” and its expanding influence in global markets like the Middle East, Udomzipam is at the forefront of changing the agricultural paradigm.
The Global Horti Complex and the Future of Smart Farming
Udomzipam is a key player in the establishment of the Global Horti Complex, an extensive smart farm project located in South Chungcheong Province. Covering 7 million square feet, this is the largest smart farm development in the country and features semi-enclosed glass greenhouses equipped with cutting-edge technology. These greenhouses create a year-round controlled environment, using AI to monitor critical variables such as temperature, humidity, sunlight, and even weather conditions.
The semi-enclosed glass greenhouses are the heart of this innovation. They allow for optimal crop growth regardless of external climate conditions, making agriculture more resilient to changing weather patterns. “We are continually collecting important data on temperature, humidity, and light, which we then utilize as AI-driven data to optimize greenhouse operations,” said Shim Yong-Bo, CEO of Udomzipam. The integration of AI ensures that these greenhouses run efficiently, reducing the need for human intervention and minimizing operational costs.
International Expansion and Middle Eastern Partnerships
Udomzipam’s success in Korea has attracted attention beyond its borders. The company has forged significant partnerships in the Middle East, a region known for its challenging agricultural conditions. Its advanced smart farming technologies offer a solution to the arid climate and limited water resources typical of countries in this region.
One of the most notable collaborations is with Saudi Arabia, where Udomzipam signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) worth $34.2 million USD (approximately 45.5 billion KRW) to implement its smart farm technology in NEOM City, the futuristic urban development in Saudi Arabia. Udomzipam’s technology is highly valued in the Middle East, where traditional agriculture is often unsustainable. The company’s ability to create efficient, water-saving farming systems is particularly important in this region.
Furthermore, Udomzipam is working with Ilait Agro, Dubai’s largest agricultural company, as well as companies in Vietnam and Uzbekistan, to export its smart farm expertise. These partnerships signify the growing global demand for advanced agricultural technology, which Udomzipam is uniquely positioned to provide.
Innovative Crops and Future Ventures
In addition to greenhouse technologies, Udomzipam has been expanding its crop portfolio. The company’s flagship product is the Stevia Tomato, a sweet-tasting variety that has been a commercial success both domestically and abroad. Udomzipam plans to continue developing new crops, with a focus on expanding its production of European vegetables, which are in increasing demand in global markets.
Udomzipam is also eyeing the biomedical industry, specifically the cultivation of medicinal cannabis. CEO Shim Yong-Bo has expressed interest in this venture, acknowledging that while the cultivation of medicinal cannabis requires regulatory approval, the aging population in Korea and abroad could drive demand for such products. “In the controlled environment of our glass greenhouses, any crop can be grown. We are considering expanding into medicinal cannabis, given its potential for import substitution and growing demand for medical applications,” Shim noted.
Challenges and Financial Performance
While Udomzipam is making strides in innovation, it is also facing financial challenges. In 2023, the company’s revenue increased by 26% compared to the previous year. However, its operating profit decreased by 10.5% due to substantial investments in smart farm infrastructure and research and development. These investments, though costly, are expected to yield significant long-term benefits as the company continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in smart farming.
Udomzipam is at the forefront of a new era in agriculture, driven by AI, big data, and smart technologies. By expanding its operations both domestically and internationally, particularly in regions with challenging agricultural environments, Udomzipam is not only providing innovative solutions but also changing the way we think about farming. The company’s efforts in developing advanced farming methods, including the introduction of new crops and potential ventures into medicinal cannabis, reflect its commitment to leading the global transition toward sustainable, technology-driven agriculture. As smart farms become more widespread, Udomzipam is well-positioned to remain a key player in the global agricultural landscape.
