North Korea Admits Food and Medicine Shortages... "Lowest Grain Production in 10 Years"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] North Korea has officially acknowledged setbacks in grain production, as well as shortages of energy and medicines.

On the 13th (local time), according to the South Korean Permanent Mission to the United Nations, North Korea released a 'Voluntary National Review (VNR)' report containing these details during the UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) held via video conference. The VNR is a system established under the resolution of the 70th UN General Assembly in 2015, whereby member states voluntarily assess and present their progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. This is North Korea's first time presenting a VNR report.

In the report, issued under the name of Pak Jong-geun, Deputy Premier of the Cabinet and Chairman of the State Planning Commission, North Korea stated, "There have been setbacks in the plan to produce 7 million tons of grain," and "Production in 2018 was 4.95 million tons, marking the lowest level in 10 years." It also emphasized that "resolving energy issues is the top priority," and acknowledged shortages of medical personnel, equipment, pharmaceutical technology infrastructure, and essential medicines.

North Korea's food situation remains poor due to COVID-19 outbreaks last year and natural disasters such as typhoons and floods during the summer. Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, also acknowledged the food shortage at the 3rd Plenary Meeting of the 8th Central Committee held last month, stating that "the food situation is becoming tense (tight)."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.