North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has warned the nation could be about to run out of food.
According to state media, Kim Jong-Un said the country’s economy improved this year but called for measures to tackle the “tense” food situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic and last year’s typhoons.
Mr. Kim chaired a plenary meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party’s central committee this week to review progress on major policies and craft measures in the hope to resolve economic issues.
The committee set goals and tasks to achieve its new five-year economic plan outlined at its previous session in February, including increased food and metal production.
The supreme leader says the overall economy had improved in the first half of the year, with the total industrial output growing 25% from a year before.
Local media reported there was “a series of deviations” in the party’s efforts to implement the plans due to several obstacles, with Kim singling out tight food supplies.
“The people’s food situation is now getting tense as the agricultural sector failed to fulfil its grain production plan due to the damage by typhoon last year,”
Kim said.
The call for measures to boost agricultural production
Mr. Kim says the food situation in his country “is now getting tense.”
The party vowed to direct all efforts to the farming sector and discuss ways to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to KCNA, Kim Jon-Un stated the protracted pandemic crisis required the party to step up efforts to provide food, clothing and housing for the people.
No coronavirus cases have been officially confirmed in North Korea, although South Korean officials have questioned this claim.
North Korea has however imposed strict anti-virus measures including border closures and domestic travel restrictions.
COVAX, a global initiative for sharing COVID-19 vaccines with poor countries, has said it will provide nearly 2 million doses to North Korea but the shipment has been delayed amid protracted consultations.
