FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 10/00 - KOREA, DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF* (26 September)

KOREA, DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF* (26 September)

In the second dekad of September, light to moderate rain over agricultural areas affected maize and early harvesting of rice somewhat. Earlier, on 31 August, continuous heavy rain over 27 hours and storms seriously affected north eastern parts of the country, particularly in north and south Hamgyong provinces, killing 42 people and causing extensive damage to infrastructure, communications and crops. The north east part of the country remains the most vulnerable to food supply difficulties as it is largely industrial and less agricultural than the country's bread basket in the south west. Latest indications suggest however that the bulk of the damage was to infrastructure and not crops.

Domestic food production prospects this year where also seriously affected by reduced rainfall and drought in the earlier part of the agricultural season. Although rainfall at the beginning of the year was higher, that in the subsequent months fell noticeably below average. This adversely affected soil moisture levels for the double crops of barley and wheat, which resulted in a reduction in yields. In addition, lower precipitation this year, coupled with below normal rainfall in 1999, especially during the main rainy season June to August, also reduced water availability for replenishment of irrigation reservoirs, which are essential for crops, particularly at the early stages of growth before the onset of the main rainy season.

A joint FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment mission is planned to visit the country in October to assess this year's crop harvest and food supply prospects for the 2000/01 marketing year from November to October.

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