Satellites Show 22% Increase in North Korean Wheat and Barley Cultivation Under Kim’s Orders

Published 2025년 5월 12일

Tridge summary

Since 2021, North Korea has shifted its agricultural focus, under government directives, towards increasing wheat and barley cultivation at the expense of corn, as a strategy to address food shortages and diversify grain production. This shift, as revealed by satellite imagery, has led to a notable increase in the cultivation of these grains, especially on Turusom Island near Pyongyang, despite concerns from farmers about the manual labor involved, lower yields, and potential soil acidification. This change is part of North Korea's efforts to reduce reliance on food imports, but the long-term sustainability of this approach and its impact on agricultural health are areas of concern. The success of these efforts is highlighted as a key issue that requires careful monitoring.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

Since 2021, when Kim Jong Un ordered a shift in grain production to address food shortages, North Korea has been prioritizing wheat and barley cultivation over corn. Despite this being official policy from the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, farmers remain unenthusiastic due to the manual labor required for seed sorting, lower yields, and concerns about soil acidification. This creates tension between state demands and the practical realities of the agricultural sector. Analysis of satellite imagery by Daily NK revealed an average 22.3% increase in land dedicated to wheat and barley across three key agricultural regions: Turusom Island in Pyongyang, Kaechon in South Pyongan Province, and Sariwon in North Hwanghae Province. This expansion is a direct result of government directives aimed at diversifying grain production. However, farmers continue to voice concerns over the additional workload and environmental risks associated with these crops. Turu Island in ...

Source: UkrAgroConsult