North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Monday (February 27) opened a key political conference addressing agriculture where he urged officials to devise a “fundamental transformation” for production in the sector, state media reported. The conference suggests that the country’s food shortage is worsening.&nbsp;

Kim also highlighted the importance of stable agricultural production while addressing the seventh enlarged plenary meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK), state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. The North Korean leader also said that reaching grain production targets should be the top priority.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-food-crisis-leader-kim-jong-un-asks-people-to-eat-less-until-2025-424602">North Korea food crisis: Leader Kim Jong Un asks people to 'eat less' until 2025</a>

The high-level meeting with senior party officials of the ruling WPK which began on Sunday reviewed the last year’s work on state goals. The state media also said that the plenary meeting will identify immediate and important tasks on issues related to agriculture and economic development.&nbsp;

The KCNA report did not elaborate on the kind of measures which will be implemented, but the North Korean leader has said that they need to take place in the next few years. According to experts on the subject, North Korea is currently reliant on collective farming, which typically includes a number of small farmers producing crops with joint labour, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/even-as-the-nation-reels-from-hunger-north-korean-state-paper-calls-outside-aid-poisoned-candy-564875">Even as the nation reels from hunger, North Korean state paper calls outside aid 'poisoned candy'</a>

Multiple reports from the South Korean media have claimed that people in North Korea are dying of hunger. However, not only are they unconfirmed but experts also believe that there is no indication of mass deaths or famine in Pyongyang. While the extent of food shortages in North Korea remains unclear, a US-based website 38 North Project claimed that food insecurity has been the worst in the country since the widespread famine in the 1990s.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/reports-of-famine-in-north-korea-as-bad-as-1990s-amid-mounting-food-insecurity-426894">Reports of famine in North Korea as bad as 1990s amid mounting food insecurity</a>

Pyongyang’s pursuit of self-sufficiency has meant that almost all the grain is produced domestically which has left the country vulnerable, said the 38 North Project, reported Reuters. Last week, North Korea’s official newspaper said that relying on external aid to cope with food shortages equals taking “poisoned candy”. This comes as the country finds itself amid mounting international sanctions and supply shortages due to COVID-19-related restrictions.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Monday (February 27) opened a key political conference addressing agriculture where he urged officials to devise a “fundamental transformation” for production in the sector, state media reported.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Monday (February 27) opened a key political conference addressing agriculture where he urged officials to devise a “fundamental transformation” for production in the sector, state media reported. The conference suggests that the country’s food shortage is worsening. Kim also highlighted the importance of stable agricultural production while addressing the seventh enlarged plenary meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK), state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. The North Korean leader also said that reaching grain production targets should be the top priority. ALSO READ | North Korea food crisis: Leader Kim Jong Un asks people to 'eat less' until 2025 The high-level meeting with senior party officials of the ruling WPK which began on Sunday reviewed the last year’s work on state goals. The state media also said that the plenary meeting will identify immediate and important tasks on issues related to agriculture and economic development. The KCNA report did not elaborate on the kind of measures which will be implemented, but the North Korean leader has said that they need to take place in the next few years. According to experts on the subject, North Korea is currently reliant on collective farming, which typically includes a number of small farmers producing crops with joint labour, reported Reuters. ALSO READ | Even as the nation reels from hunger, North Korean state paper calls outside aid 'poisoned candy' Multiple reports from the South Korean media have claimed that people in North Korea are dying of hunger. However, not only are they unconfirmed but experts also believe that there is no indication of mass deaths or famine in Pyongyang. While the extent of food shortages in North Korea remains unclear, a US-based website 38 North Project claimed that food insecurity has been the worst in the country since the widespread famine in the 1990s. ALSO READ | Reports of famine in North Korea as bad as 1990s amid mounting food insecurity Pyongyang’s pursuit of self-sufficiency has meant that almost all the grain is produced domestically which has left the country vulnerable, said the 38 North Project, reported Reuters. Last week, North Korea’s official newspaper said that relying on external aid to cope with food shortages equals taking “poisoned candy”. This comes as the country finds itself amid mounting international sanctions and supply shortages due to COVID-19-related restrictions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

North Korean leader Kim holds rare meeting on agriculture amid reports of food shortage in country

On Wednesday, North Korea's official newspaper said that relying on external aid to cope with food shortages equals taking "poisoned candy". Amid deepening hardships stemming from international sanctions and supply shortages thanks to coronavirus restrictions, ruling Workers' Party paper Rodong Sinmun urged for a model of self-reliance. In recent years, Pyongyang has suffered from a food shortage. Natural disasters like typhoons and floods, along with international sanctions imposed on the nation due to its nuclear and missile programmes, and a sharp decrease in North Korea's trade with China amid the coronavirus lockdown and the following pandemic restrictions have all added to the nation's troubles.

Watch |&nbsp;North Korean food shortage seems to be worsening, South Korea says

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The state paper, as per Reuters, warned against availing economic aid from "imperialists" and said that they use the help as a "trap to plunder and subjugate" recipient countries and interfere with their internal politics.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-north-korea-grapples-with-food-crisis-flour-now-a-luxury-item-report-492992">As North Korea grapples with food crisis, flour now a luxury item: Report</a>

"It is a mistake to try to boost the economy by accepting and eating this poisoned candy," it added.

The article comes at a time when, as per reports, over the past two years, around 700 inmates at three countryside prisons in North Korea's Kaechon have died from diseases and famine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/millions-at-nuclear-radiation-risk-in-north-korea-and-neighbouring-countries-suggests-latest-us-backed-study-564189">Millions at nuclear radiation risk in North Korea and neighbouring countries, suggests latest US-backed study</a>

Neighbour South Korea's unification ministry, as per Reuters, declined to comment on the report but said that in recent days there has been an increase in deaths due to starvation in some North Korean provinces.&nbsp;As per South Korean estimates, last year North Korea's crop production at approximately 4.5 million tonnes dropped around 3.8 per cent in comparison to 2021.

(With inputs from agencies)

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On Wednesday, North Korea's official newspaper said that relying on external aid to cope with food shortages equals taking "poisoned candy". Amid deepening hardships stemming from international sanctions and supply shortages thanks to coronavirus restrictions, ruling Workers' Party paper Rodong Sinmun urged for a model of self-reliance.

On Wednesday, North Korea's official newspaper said that relying on external aid to cope with food shortages equals taking "poisoned candy". Amid deepening hardships stemming from international sanctions and supply shortages thanks to coronavirus restrictions, ruling Workers' Party paper Rodong Sinmun urged for a model of self-reliance. In recent years, Pyongyang has suffered from a food shortage. Natural disasters like typhoons and floods, along with international sanctions imposed on the nation due to its nuclear and missile programmes, and a sharp decrease in North Korea's trade with China amid the coronavirus lockdown and the following pandemic restrictions have all added to the nation's troubles. Watch | North Korean food shortage seems to be worsening, South Korea says The state paper, as per Reuters, warned against availing economic aid from "imperialists" and said that they use the help as a "trap to plunder and subjugate" recipient countries and interfere with their internal politics. Watch | As North Korea grapples with food crisis, flour now a luxury item: Report "It is a mistake to try to boost the economy by accepting and eating this poisoned candy," it added. The article comes at a time when, as per reports, over the past two years, around 700 inmates at three countryside prisons in North Korea's Kaechon have died from diseases and famine. Also read | Millions at nuclear radiation risk in North Korea and neighbouring countries, suggests latest US-backed study Neighbour South Korea's unification ministry, as per Reuters, declined to comment on the report but said that in recent days there has been an increase in deaths due to starvation in some North Korean provinces. As per South Korean estimates, last year North Korea's crop production at approximately 4.5 million tonnes dropped around 3.8 per cent in comparison to 2021. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Even as the nation reels from hunger, North Korean state paper calls outside aid 'poisoned candy'

North Korea has reportedly turned down an offer of three million doses of Chinese vaccine from UNICEF.

The UN body&nbsp;had volunteered to give China's Sinovac vaccine to Kim Jong-Un's regime but North Korean authorities reportedly said it should be given to other countries who have been hard with the virus.

North Korea was one of the first countries to seal its border with China last January amid reports of coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan. The UN agency said it will now redirect the vaccines meant for North Korea to other nations.

Watch:

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WHO chief Tedros Adhanom had said earlier that 5 billion vaccines have now been administered globally, however, low-income countries including Africa had received very little does with just 2 per cent adults fully vaccinated compared to nearly 50 per cent in rich nations.

The WHO head had called for a "moratorium" on booster shots asserting that millions had not got their first dose in several countries. Adhanom had also urged nations to end export restrictions and other trade barriers&nbsp;in order to facilitate the free flow of vaccines.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-develops-pcr-equipment-for-virus-tests-report-407756">Also Read:&nbsp;North Korea develops PCR equipment for virus tests</a>

Last month there were reports of disinfection work in various areas in North Korea's capital Pyongyang. Kim's regime has insisted that the country has not been hit by the virus even as he had cited a "tense" food situation.

North Korea has been hit by crop damage after the country was hit by heavy rain last month as Kim instructed troops and emergency services to ensure there was&nbsp;no shortage of food grains as North Korea's state-run news agency said the authorities had taken "countermeasures".

(With reports from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

North Korea has reportedly turned down an offer of three million doses of Chinese vaccine from UNICEF. The UN body had volunteered to give China's Sinovac vaccine to Kim Jong-Un's regime but North Korean authorities reportedly said it should be given to other countries who have been hard with the virus.

North Korea has reportedly turned down an offer of three million doses of Chinese vaccine from UNICEF. The UN body had volunteered to give China's Sinovac vaccine to Kim Jong-Un's regime but North Korean authorities reportedly said it should be given to other countries who have been hard with the virus. North Korea was one of the first countries to seal its border with China last January amid reports of coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan. The UN agency said it will now redirect the vaccines meant for North Korea to other nations. Watch: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom had said earlier that 5 billion vaccines have now been administered globally, however, low-income countries including Africa had received very little does with just 2 per cent adults fully vaccinated compared to nearly 50 per cent in rich nations. The WHO head had called for a "moratorium" on booster shots asserting that millions had not got their first dose in several countries. Adhanom had also urged nations to end export restrictions and other trade barriers in order to facilitate the free flow of vaccines. Also Read: North Korea develops PCR equipment for virus tests Last month there were reports of disinfection work in various areas in North Korea's capital Pyongyang. Kim's regime has insisted that the country has not been hit by the virus even as he had cited a "tense" food situation. North Korea has been hit by crop damage after the country was hit by heavy rain last month as Kim instructed troops and emergency services to ensure there was no shortage of food grains as North Korea's state-run news agency said the authorities had taken "countermeasures". (With reports from Agencies)

North Korea turned down vaccine offer, says UN body