North Korea encouraged the party officials to finish the harvest and threshing on time, as the overall harvest has not been too bad, contrary to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) predictions of a decrease in North Korean crop yields this year.
The state-run newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, stated in an editorial on Monday, “As the overall crop yields have been satisfactory, it is critical to establish the right timing for the autumn harvest and complete it promptly under weather conditions with frequent rains and unpredictable hail and frost.”
The editorial acknowledged the challenges of severe weather events, including droughts, record rainfall, and extreme heat, emphasizing that the country has relied on scientific methods to combat these natural adversities. “We have bravely fought against the whims of nature with the power of science under the banner of scientific farming,” the article stated.
It further stressed the importance of timely harvesting, warning that “no matter how good the farming conditions may be, failing to harvest on time can lead to significant losses.” The piece called for precise planning based on thorough assessments of crop maturity by field, plot, and variety.
Contrary to North Korea’s optimistic assessment, the FAO had previously reported in August that above-average rainfall from August to October could result in flooding and pest damage, potentially reducing crop yields.
The FAO’s Global Information and Early Warning System reported that rainfall in July in the key agricultural regions of Hwanghae Province and Pyongan Province was 80% above average, raising concerns about the impact on low-lying rice paddies.
Most Commented