November 30, 2005

USDA estimates record North Korean 2005-06 grain harvest

The USDA forecasts that North Korea's 2005-06 total grain production would reach 3.64 million tonnes, up 150,000 tonnes or 4 percent from 2004-05, and the highest in over a decade.

However, USDA added that the country's grain deficit remained significant despite the expected increase. This was due to factors including limited arable land and a dilapidated irrigation network that hindered efforts to expand production.

Meanwhile, the country's corn production is expected to reach 1.8 million tonnes, up 4 percent from 2004-05.