North Korea could be self-sufficient in food for its people in the next 3-4 years

The head of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) office in North Korea, Belay Derza Gaga, said on October 4 that the country could be self-sufficient in food for its people in the next 3-4 years.

North Koreans distribute bags of flour on the banks of the Yalu River. Source: Reuters

Speaking on the Voice of Russia program, Mr. Belay Derza Gaga said that North Korea is expected to produce about 6 million tons of grain this year and this output has been increasing steadily.

According to Mr. Gaga, the fact that policymakers emphasize the importance of agriculture in economic policies has led to more investment in related sectors.

However, he noted that the country still has shortages of electricity, fuel and agricultural equipment.

Mr Gaga added that Mongolia plans to supply 10,000 cattle to North Korea, as part of a move to help North Korea develop livestock farming.

The cattle are expected to be transported to a special area in North Korea, which is expected to be used as a new base for the country's livestock industry.