North Korea has begun its spring wheat and barley sowing season with a focus on scientific precision and drought preparation, as reported by its official newspaper, the Labor Newspaper. This push comes in the face of reported food shortages, with a reported annual rice shortage of about 800,000 tons and decreased corn and bean production due to weather conditions. In response, the country is shifting its agricultural policy towards increasing wheat and barley cultivation to improve the dietary habits and living standards of its people.