1. Food Crisis Since 2006
2. North Korea Food Price Trend
3. Food Situation Articles Compilation From the North Korea Today
4. Chronology of Intensifying Control Since 2007
1.Food Crisis Since 2006
2006
South Korea government totally stopped humanitarian aid right after
the missile test and the nuclear experiment.
After the flood damages in July 2006, total agricultural production in
2006 was estimated 2.8 million tons including 1.8 million tons of total
food production of each province
The fear that there would be another Arduous March in 2007 surged.
2007.01
There was no distribution for New Year's Day (3 day amount of long-grain
rice was distributed only in Pyongyang)
The amount of food supply to the military dropped to 60%.
2007.02
After Chairman Kim Jong-Il's visit to major cities throughout the country
and the release of rice for the military to the public, food price fell.
- In Chungjin, the price of rice went down from 1000 Won/kg to 850-900
Won/kg.
Total 4 day amount of food was distributed due to overlapping of Lunar
New Year's Day and 2.16 holiday
*Note: 2.16 Holiday is set for celebrating Chairman Kim Jong-Il's birthday
2007.03
Around March 10th, 10-15 day amount of rice for the army provision was
released to the entire provincial capital cities.
The residents' rice purchasing power did not increase.
Restriction on rice trading in markets was intensified.
2007.04
2 day amount of food was distributed on April 15th the Day of the
Sun.
*Note: Day of the Sun is set for celebrating the birthday of Kim Il Sung
2007.05
The price of rice went up from 800 Won/kg to 900 - 950 Won/kg, simultaneously
around the country.
2007.06
In major cities, rice was traded at 950~1,000 Won/kg.
From late June, starvation to death began to occur. Around 10 people
per day in average died from the famine in some cities and towns in North
Pyongan Province, Ryanggang Province, Jagang Province and Hamgyung Province.
2007.07
The price of rice went up 1,200-1,300 Won/kg, nationally in mid-July.
- All the regions including Hamgyung, Kangwon, and Pyongan Provinces suffered
from rice shortage.
2007.08
Except some regions including Chugnjin, the nation suffered from flood.
After the flood damage the price of rice increased up to 1,500-1,800 Won/kg
and the price of corn up to 450Won/kg.