Attaining Food Security in North Korea.

For several years North Korea produced about 70% of its needs for food security. This has increased to about 90% in the last two years, mainly due to more favorable weather and relaxed government policies on private production and marketing by farm workers. Farm families produce vegetables on areas around their home and now have access to small areas of land for vegetable production for their use and marketing. Pig and poultry production are increasing, especially since the farm family is allocated one piglet annually. But more of the collective production is taken by the government for the army and urban citizens. Collective farms usually consist of 4000 to 6000 acres and 1500 to 2000 workers. Farms have an overall farm manager supported by one or two specialists for crops, one for animals and one for engineering and water management. Electricity and fuel are very limited so human and animal power predominate. Major crops are rice, corn, wheat, barley, potatoes, peppers and major vegetable and fruit crops. There is strong interest in soybean and canola. Plastic houses are used to extend the growing season for vegetable crops. Soils are low in pH (5.0 to 5.5) and organic matter (1.0 to 2.0%). Fertilizer, primarily ammonium sulfate and urea, meets about 30% of the optimal rate and is supplemented by compost made from animal manures and crop residues. Water is very limited in spring to flood the rice fields; about 70% of annual rainfall is in July and August causing serious erosion and floods. Pesticide use is minimal for agronomic crops. Improved crop varieties, soil management and energy for mechanization are needed for consistent food security.