Empty-handed farmers drive up rice prices
Farm workers in South Hwanghae province are flooding local markets to buy rice in November 2026, with tighter state grain procurement leaving them with almost nothing from this year’s harvest. The rush has pushed market rice prices past 50,000 North Korean won per kilogram, and some areas have hit 60,000 won. “Forced state grain procurement […]
Farmers in South Hwanghae province are buying rice in large quantities as the state's grain procurement has left them with minimal harvest. Rice prices in the region have surged past 50,000 North Korean won per kilogram, reaching 60,000 won in some areas. South Hwanghae, known as North Korea's largest grain-producing province, has faced difficulties due to drought, fertilizer shortages, and tight state grain procurement.
Farm workers are unable to meet their needs, and some families are turning to markets for sustenance. The food crisis is worsening as winter approaches, with some families unable to produce kimchi for the colder months. Farm officials are under pressure to fulfill the state's procurement quota, leading to resentment among workers who feel exploited.
Written by urgent.news from Daily NK's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
