As the monsoon season approaches, North Korea is expressing concerns about potential disruptions to food production due to anticipated heavy rains and heat waves. The country is emphasizing the need for measures to protect crops.
On the 11th, the Rodong Sinmun stated, “We must do everything possible to protect crops from the effects of extreme weather. The most crucial issue is to minimize the impact of disastrous climate conditions.”
The newspaper highlighted the need for drainage measures such as facility maintenance, dredging of medium and small rivers with high risk, and completion of embankment and stone wall repair work.
It further stated the need to check the status of structures and facilities to prevent major water damage, including waterproofing and drainage facilities. The paper stressed the importance of checking the state of coastal defenses in provinces, cities, and counties located on the coast to ensure there are no deficiencies.
The newspaper emphasized pest prevention efforts in response to high temperatures and humidity. It pointed out that if diseases such as rice sheath blight, rice blast, and rice leaf spot occur frequently, the yield per unit can decrease by 20~30% and up to 50%. It cautioned, “Applying pesticides after the pests have appeared won’t provide effective relief.”
The paper suggested treating crops with mineral nutrient sterilizers and recommended establishing good measures to prevent humidity, using sources such as organic fertilizers and ash. It also emphasized ensuring there are no obstacles to crop growth. It advised supplementing various trace elements such as potassium, silicon, and magnesium appropriately to increase the photosynthesis rate of plants.
According to the newspaper, weather in mid-July and late August is expected to be hot due to the influence of the Northwestern Pacific subtropical high pressure and monsoon front. Heatwaves are also forecasted in coastal and inland areas of Kangwon Province and South Hamgyeong Province, with heavy rains expected mainly in South Hwanghae Province and Kangwon Province.
Every year, North Korea suffers significant material and human damage from natural disasters such as monsoon rains, floods, and typhoons. It appears that they are on high alert to prevent such disasters as the monsoon season approaches this year as well.
Given that Kim Jong Un’s secretary previously evaluated the current state of agriculture this year as “okay” at the party’s plenary meeting that reviewed the first half of the year, it is expected that North Korea will focus more on reducing damage from natural disasters that can significantly affect crops in the summer and fall.