In recent years, North Korea’s agricultural sector has experienced several changes, both in terms of policy and economic challenges. The government has increasingly emphasized improving agricultural productivity through modernization, focusing on irrigation, mechanization, and state-led reforms. However, the execution of these policies has been inconsistent, with reports of corruption and inefficiency hindering progress. Despite efforts to centralize control over farming, including measures to regulate food distribution and market sales, the country has faced rising food prices, partly due to supply shortages and reduced grain yields38 NORTH38 NORTH.Additionally, while there have been moves to promote private farming, such as the 2023 amendment to the Farm Law, the collective farming system remains largely in place, slowing the potential for long-term improvements38 NORTH. Inflation and the government’s demands for food donations have also contributed to price hikes in basic commodities like rice38 NORTH. These changes indicate that while North Korea is striving to improve its agricultural sector, challenges such as corruption, limited investment, and political resistance to decentralization continue to hamper effective reform.
