North Korea battles severe drought threatening crops

North Korea is facing a severe drought that is threatening crops, with authorities mobilising efforts to protect farmland and improve irrigation. The crisis adds to existing food insecurity, with millions already undernourished and highly vulnerable to climate and economic pressures.

North Korea is rushing to protect its agricultural production as a “severe” drought spreads across the country, according to state media reports that highlight growing concern over food security in the isolated state.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that unusually persistent dry conditions have affected wide areas of the country, creating urgent pressure on authorities to safeguard early-season crops. Officials described the drought as unusual compared to previous years, suggesting it is more widespread and sustained than typical seasonal dryness.
In response, the government has mobilised workers across multiple regions to focus on protecting key crops such as wheat and barley, which are crucial for early harvest cycles. Efforts are also being directed at maintaining irrigation systems, including repairs to reservoir gates, canals, and water distribution networks. These measures are intended to improve water supply management at a time when rainfall is insufficient to support normal agricultural activity.
KCNA further reported that authorities are introducing technical interventions aimed at improving drought resilience in crops. These include adjustments in farming practices and better utilisation of limited water resources to reduce losses. Officials have emphasised that efficient water management is now essential, with farms being instructed to identify and maximise all available sources of water.
The drought poses a serious challenge for North Korea, a country already facing long-standing food insecurity. Weak infrastructure, limited access to modern farming inputs, and periodic natural disasters have repeatedly strained agricultural output. Over time, these challenges have been compounded by economic sanctions, restricted trade, and border closures, all of which have affected the availability of fertilisers, machinery, and other essential agricultural supplies.
International agencies, including the United Nations, have consistently warned about the vulnerability of North Korea’s population to food shortages. Reports estimate that millions of people remain undernourished, with limited capacity to cope with shocks such as droughts, floods, or heatwaves. Earlier in the year, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights Elizabeth Salmon noted that food insecurity remains a major humanitarian concern in the country, with climate conditions adding further pressure.
State media also reported that Premier Pak Thae Song recently conducted field inspections in South Pyongan and North Hwanghae provinces to assess how farms are responding to the drought. During these visits, he reviewed water management systems and encouraged agricultural workers to intensify efforts to minimize crop damage. He reportedly stressed that achieving a stable harvest this year depends on successfully overcoming the current drought conditions.
The situation in North Korea is occurring against a broader backdrop of rising climate-related stress across the Korean Peninsula. In recent years, neighbouring South Korea has also experienced extreme heatwaves and drought conditions, including record-breaking summer temperatures that affected agriculture and water supply in some regions.
Experts have pointed out that climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events globally, including prolonged droughts that threaten food production systems. Countries with weaker infrastructure and limited adaptive capacity, such as North Korea, are particularly at risk, as they have fewer resources to respond effectively to environmental shocks.