FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 02/02 - KOREA, DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF (1 February)

KOREA, DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF* (1 February)

The country experienced a strong recovery in 2001 from the poor harvest of the previous year. This was due to favourable weather conditions and the assistance received from the international community in terms of various types of farm inputs. Aggregate cereal output for the year has been estimated at 3.7 million tonnes, some 700 000 tonnes above the previous year’s production and about 5 percent above the average of the past 5 years. At present, the important barley crop is in the ground for harvesting from April. Early prospects are uncertain due to inadequate snowfall.

Despite the improved overall food supply situation, domestic food output is not enough to meet the country’s food requirements. Food assistance estimated at 610 000 tonnes is required in 2002 to meet minimum food needs.