In a world increasingly plagued by water crises, the efficient use of water is crucial for boosting agricultural production. Last year, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea introduced the technology of electrical treatment of water into paddy rice cultivation, leading to an average increase of one ton of grain per hectare in the areas where the technology was implemented. This breakthrough was largely due to the efforts of Dr. Kwon Chang Dok, Section Chief of the Faculty of Mine Engineering at Kim Chaek University of Technology.
Ten years ago, while researching flotation technology, Dr. Kwon overheard workers discussing that using water from different sources improved the extraction rate of concentrated ore. This observation sparked his curiosity, leading him to conduct an in-depth study of technical literature related to water. He developed the idea of applying activated water to the flotation process.
Dr. Kwon created a device that activates water through electrical methods. This innovation significantly reduced reagent consumption while increasing the grade and extraction rate of concentrated ore. As he expanded the application of activated water to various fields, he realized its potential for irrigation. He believed it could mitigate the effects of abnormal climate conditions and increase crop yields with less effort.
Despite being over 50 and facing skepticism from peers who warned that failure could tarnish his achievements, Dr. Kwon remained determined. He led his research team to success, developing various water treatment devices and improving their specifications and capabilities. The scale of their introduction gradually expanded, proving the effectiveness of his technology.
Dr. Kwon’s scientific contributions are invaluable, but his dedication to research for the country’s and people’s benefit is even more admirable. His pure and clear scientific conscience drove him to pursue necessary research selflessly.
“As I am nearing 60, it is not so easy for me to travel to farms across the country to introduce the technology,” Dr. Kwon says. “But we should do what is badly needed for the country and for the sake of the people unconditionally. Even if we fail to succeed, we should devote our lives to it. This is the conscience our scientists should have, I think. The honor of a scientist never shines with an academic degree or title. It shines when he devotes his all to the country and people.”
In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Kwon Chang Dok was named one of the state’s best scientists and technicians in 2023. His unwavering dedication and groundbreaking work continue to inspire the scientific community and contribute to the nation’s agricultural success.
