North Korea is reportedly facing a major food crisis as the prices of essential foods have risen sharply. The country’s top leader, Kim Jong-un, has described the food situation as “tight”.
North Korea is facing acute food shortages due to poor agricultural harvests. (Photo: Reuters / Representative Image)
According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency, a severe food crisis has hit North Korea, where the prices of essential foods have soared.
The country’s top leader, Kim Jong-un, has reportedly accepted that the situation is “tense” in the face of acute food shortages.
“People’s food situation is now becoming strained as the agricultural sector failed to meet its grain production plan due to the damage caused by the typhoon last year,” said Kim Jong-un.
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The report suggests that food prices have skyrocketed in the capital, Pyongyang, with bananas selling for $ 45 or Rs 3,335 per kilogram, a pack of black tea for $ 70 or Rs 5,190 and one Pack of coffee for $ 100 or Rs 7,414.
At the meeting of the Central Committee, the top chairman is said to have asked the party leaders to resolve the food shortage as soon as possible.
According to the state media report, North Korea is facing a food crisis due to failed agricultural production. According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, North Korea is short of 860,000 tons of food.
While Kim Jong-un has asked for a quick resolution to the crisis, it is unclear how the nation will overcome the hurdle as its borders remain closed due to Covid-19.
Although North Korea has not confirmed any Covid-19 cases, it has imposed severe restrictions, including border closings and restrictions on domestic travel. It should be noted that the country relies on China for many items it cannot price, including food and fuel.
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