North Korea recently conducted a virtual Agricultural Summary Meeting to review its agricultural achievements from the previous year.
The Workers’ Party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on Thursdau that the 2025 Agricultural Summary Meeting was held via video conference at the Cabinet on Tuesday and Wednesday. The meeting was attended by Premier Pak Thae-song, Party Secretary Cho Yong-won, Party Agricultural Department Head Joo Cheol-kyu, and Deputy Prime Minister Ri Chol-man.
The conference also included representatives from the party’s Central Committee, Cabinet, provincial and central agencies, local party and government organizations, agricultural guidance institutions, and workers from farms recognized as the Top 30 Outstanding Farms, as well as related factories and enterprises.
In his report, Deputy Prime Minister Ri highlighted that many previously underperforming farms have now joined the ranks of high-yield units. He emphasized the emergence of numerous high-yield counties, farms, work teams, sub-work teams, and individual farmers, underscoring the improved performance of previously struggling farms.
Ri also noted a scientific farming boom based on a science-first ideology. He explained that through a scientific technology dissemination system, advanced agricultural techniques – including scientific crop placement, new farming methods, and organic farming practices – were actively researched and implemented. He stressed the importance of expanding mechanization in agricultural operations and establishing proactive measures to address climate-related disasters.
The report also analyzed shortcomings in last year’s agricultural sector and presented specific tasks” to achieve this year’s grain production targets. However, these details were not made public. Participants agreed on the need to guard against empiricism, defeatism, and self-preservation tendencies recently criticized among party officials.
The meeting announced agricultural rankings by province, city, and county from last year, along with the units recognized as the Top 10 Outstanding Agricultural Counties and Top 30 Outstanding Farms for 2025. Certificates were awarded and prizes presented to these top performers.
This meeting is seen as part of a propaganda effort to showcase agricultural achievements to the public ahead of the anticipated 9th Party Congress next month, and to motivate increased production efforts in the new year.