September 26, 2023
News

Kim Jong Un calls for stronger party control to solve nation’s food problems

State media short on details about solutions after North Korean officials hold four-day meeting on agricultural issues

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered farming and economic officials to solve food supply issues with “science,” better equipment and stronger party control of the sector, according to state media Thursday, as party officials concluded a four-day plenum the previous day.

The Rodong Sinmun said Kim also ordered infrastructure improvements but did not detail specific new farm policies or precisely how Kim plans to “put agricultural production on a stable track within the next few years.” One expert told NK News that the report gave no indication of measures to address the fundamental problem of a lack of incentives for farmers.