North Korea is experiencing an extended heatwave, raising concerns about potential crop damage. The authorities are emphasizing the importance of scientific technology and are developing various response measures based on this approach.
On Thursday, the Workers’ party’s newspaper Rodong Sinmun published an article titled “Agricultural Scientific and Technological Products Effective in Overcoming High Temperatures,” which introduced various plant nutrients and activator fertilizers.
The newspaper reported that the plant nutrient activator “Daepung No. 1” has recently gained significant popularity among agricultural officials and workers. It enhances crop nutrition and effectively prevents and remedies various plant diseases. The article also explained that the plant activator fertilizer “Gaengsaeng No. 1” helps increase crop resistance under unfavorable weather conditions such as high temperatures and drought.
In addition, the newspaper recommended residents to apply pitocin to crops in water, claiming that this bioactive substance promotes the production of rice, corn, and wheat.
According to a report from Korean Central Television on July 26th, North Korea’s State Hydro-Meteorological Administration initially issued a heatwave caution for regions south of the central area, which was later upgraded to a moderate warning that afternoon. The forecast indicated that temperatures in Pyongyang, parts of Hwanghae Province, and the Kaesong area would exceed 95°F the following day, with the heatwave expected to continue.
As North Korea aims to complete its Five-Year National Economic Development Plan by the end of this year, the government is intensifying its efforts to encourage residents, fearing that the extreme heat may hinder agricultural goals.
Rodong Sinmun also published an article on July 26th titled “Let’s Thoroughly Protect Crops from Heat and Humidity,” urging the active adoption of advanced farming methods to improve crop yields despite abnormal weather conditions.
The newspaper expressed concern, stating that if water cannot be maintained in the fields for extended periods under high temperatures, allowing them to dry out excessively, both the air and soil temperatures will rise, leading to severe heat damage.
It emphasized that if the water temperature in the fields exceeds 86°F, farmers should implement either simple irrigation or maximized irrigation. The article stressed the importance of ensuring that not a single grain is lost to these extreme conditions.