N.K. paper urges all-out efforts to maximize rice production

North Korea 08:44 May 11, 2020

SEOUL, May 11 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's official newspaper on Monday called for all-out efforts to maximize rice production this year, saying sufficient food production is instrumental in achieving a "frontal breakthrough" against challenges confronting the country.

North Korean media outlets have called for a frontal breakthrough by securing "self-reliance" in many areas, including food production, since leader Kim Jong-un called for such efforts late last year in order to brace for a protracted fight against sanctions by the United States.

"Whether to succeed in our frontal breakthrough strategy hinges heavily on how much we could consolidate the achievement we have already made in securing a high yield (of grains)," the paper said.

"Loyalty to the party and patriotism to the nation can be expressed in how much contribution one can make to grains production," it added. "We all should become patriots by devoting all to grains productions."

The paper touted the country's recent development of "scientific" farming techniques and "miraculous" achievements they brought about in the agriculture sector, saying that such continued advance would provide huge support for boosting the country's overall economy.

The paper made the urge as a full-blown rice transplanting season has started in North Korea.

The North has called for increased food production, saying self-reliance in its food supply is instrumental in ensuring the communist state's existence and dignity in the face of "murderous" global sanctions.

North Korea has claimed that it recorded a bumper harvest last year, but outside observers say the North has been suffering from a chronic food shortage.

Leader Kim urged a drastic increase in agricultural production in his speech in late December, saying there is no expectation of the U.S. lifting sanctions against Pyongyang amid a lack of progress in denuclearization talks.