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North Korea increases efforts to prevent drought from damaging crop production

Published: 30 Apr. 2026, 12:23

North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song, left, conducts on-site inspections in key farming areas in the South Pyongan and North Hwanghae provinces to assess the growth status of wheat and barley and holds discussions with local officials on measures to prevent crop damage in a photo released by the North's official Rodong Sinmun on April 30. [NEWS1]

North Korea is ramping up efforts to prevent a prolonged drought from damaging crop production ahead of the rice planting season, state media said on Thursday, as the North has been grappling with food shortages.

Citing “an unusually severe drought” for this time of year, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that North Korea is focusing on “various projects to protect crops nationwide.”

According to the report, officials from relevant government ministries — including those overseeing grain management, mining industryand the State Planning Commission — have been dispatched to offer farming supplies. Officials from the State Science and Technology Commission have also been working to secure irrigation water for agricultural use.

Amid these nationwide efforts, North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song conducted on-site inspections in key farming areas in the South Pyongan and North Hwanghae provinces to assess the growth status of wheat and barley and held discussions with local officials on measures to prevent crop damage.

The report also noted Pak called on officials to increase the mechanization of farming operations and ensure the thorough implementation of agricultural procedures.

North Korea has been on the list of food-deficit countries that require external assistance from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization for 19 years in a row.

Yonhap