North Korea is striving to boost self-sufficiency and living standards by constructing more factories in the provinces, utilizing local raw materials. However, in North Pyongan province, poor crop yields have hindered these efforts. Specifically, in Yomju county, the autumn harvest from raw material bases is only two-thirds of the average, potentially disrupting the government’s plans.
Despite significant efforts by women’s union chapters and families of party officials to support the “20×10 regional development policy,” unveiled by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, this year’s harvest fell short of expectations, disappointing county residents.
The policy aims to establish modern industrial facilities in 20 counties each year to enhance the material conditions of North Koreans over the next decade. The provincial factories have been encouraged to be more self-sufficient by growing crops in resource bases, which supply raw materials for production.
However, extreme weather conditions, especially heavy rain, have severely impacted this year’s corn yield in Yomju county, leading to a 30% reduction compared to normal years. This shortfall is expected to affect production at provincial factories, potentially leading to stress among factory managers.
The focus on self-sufficiency and self-reliance highlights the need for a proper supply of raw materials to sustain production. If farms in the resource bases cannot provide these materials, the burden may shift to other struggling farms, affecting various organizations and companies in the region.
Overall, the challenges faced in Yomju county serve as a reminder of the complex interplay between agricultural production, industrial development, and overall economic stability in North Korea.
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