Agriculture in North Korea

Agriculture in North Korea
source
Country	North Korea
Main products	Rice, Maize, Potatoes, Soybeans

Agriculture in North Korea is a critical sector of the national economy and a central focus of state policy, operating under a collectivized system. The sector is characterized by intensive cultivation on limited arable land, significant state control, and chronic vulnerability to natural disasters and international sanctions. Despite efforts toward self-sufficiency, North Korea has faced persistent food shortages, relying on international aid and informal markets to supplement production.

History

Following the Division of Korea and the establishment of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, land reform was implemented, redistributing holdings from Japanese colonial and landlord classes to peasants. The Korean War devastated agricultural infrastructure, leading to widespread famine. In the late 1950s, Kim Il Sung oversaw the complete collectivization of agriculture into cooperative farms managed by the state. The Arduous March famine of the 1990s, caused by the loss of Soviet support, floods, and systemic failures, resulted in massive casualties and prompted some informal marketization. Subsequent leaders, Kim Jong Il and Kim Jong Un, have promoted campaigns like the potato revolution and scientific farming methods to boost yields.

Production and practices

Primary crops include Rice, which is a staple, along with Maize, Potatoes, and Soybeans. Production is heavily reliant on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, though supply shortages are common. The state emphasizes double-cropping and the cultivation of slopes to expand arable area. Livestock farming focuses on pigs, poultry, and goats, often on small-scale household plots. Aquaculture in coastal areas and fish farms contributes to protein supply. Agricultural science is promoted through institutions like the Academy of Agricultural Science, advocating for techniques such as Crop rotation and Greenhouse cultivation.

Land use and infrastructure

Only about 20% of North Korea's terrain is arable, concentrated in western plains like North and South Pyongan Province and the Jaeryong River basin. Major irrigation systems, including the Kaechon and Taechong networks, were developed to support paddy fields. Terracing is extensive in mountainous regions such as Kangwon Province. Cooperative farms, supervised by the Party and the military, are the primary production units. Infrastructure suffers from energy shortages, aging equipment, and a lack of modern machinery, with much work done manually or with draft animals.

Food security and distribution

North Korea has experienced chronic food insecurity for decades, with the Public Distribution System (PDS) serving as the official rationing channel. The system often fails to provide sufficient rations, leading to dependence on informal markets and international food aid. Malnutrition is widespread, particularly affecting children in provinces like South Hwanghae. The World Food Programme and Food and Agriculture Organization regularly monitor the situation. Kim Jong Un has stated that achieving grain self-sufficiency is a top priority, but harvests remain susceptible to droughts and typhoons.

International relations and aid

Agricultural trade and aid are heavily influenced by political relations and UN sanctions. Major historical donors have included the China, Russia, and South Korea, particularly during the Sunshine Policy era under Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun. Organizations like the World Food Programme, European Union, and Caritas have delivered substantial humanitarian assistance. Projects such as the FAO's support for seed production and the Swiss development of potato farming have been implemented. Tensions, such as those following the Cheonan incident, frequently disrupt aid flows from South Korea and its allies.

Category:Agriculture in North Korea Category:Economy of North Korea