SEOUL (Reuters) – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has inspected farmlands damaged by the recent typhoon, according to state media. Last week, tropical storm Khanun struck the Korean Peninsula, raising concerns about a food crisis in the country. Kim praised the military for their efforts in salvaging crops and stated that the troops were mobilized to prevent the loss of farmland crucial for the people’s livelihood, as reported by news agency KCNA.
North Korea has faced severe food shortages in the past, including a famine in the 1990s, often caused by natural disasters. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent border closures have further aggravated the situation, according to international experts.
The report further states, “He made sure that helicopters and light transport aircraft from air force units were mobilized to improve crop growth in flooded fields. He personally organized and supervised the spraying of pesticides.”
Khanun, which was downgraded from a typhoon to a tropical storm, made landfall on the Korean Peninsula last week. As a precautionary measure, South Korean authorities evacuated over 14,000 people and closed schools in flood-affected regions.
Experts have long been warning about the food crisis in North Korea, with many expressing concerns over the country’s ability to feed its population. Natural disasters, economic difficulties, and international sanctions have severely impacted the nation’s agriculture sector, leading to recurring food shortages.
The North Korean regime has been heavily reliant on its military to address agricultural challenges. The military has been involved in various tasks, such as cultivating and harvesting crops, combating pests, and providing labor support in the agricultural sector. This recent inspection by Kim Jong Un seems to highlight the importance of securing food production.
As the world watches closely, the situation in North Korea’s agriculture sector remains precarious. Efforts from both domestic and international actors are needed to alleviate the long-standing food crisis and ensure the well-being of the North Korean population.
Reporting by Soo-hyang Choi; Editing by Stephen Coates
Credit: The Star : News Feed
