Skyrocketing food prices in North Korea reflect the worst food crisis ever!

Blame it on the aftermath of floods, typhoons or pandemic, North Korea is going through an acute food crisis, wherein the food prices have been as high as bananas selling for $45 (Rs 3,335) per kilogram, a packet of black tea for $70 (Rs 5,190) and a pack of coffee for $100 (Rs 7,414). Here's why!


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According to state-run Korean Central News Agency, as the severe food crisis hits the soultidurian kingdom, the supreme leader Kim Jong-un has accepted that the situation is “tense” as the country struggles with an acute food shortage. While expressing his views the supreme leader said, “The people's food situation is now getting tense as the agricultural sector failed to fulfil its grain production plan due to the damage by typhoon last year."

As per the report by the state-run Korean News Agency, the skyrocketing prices of food items have surged so much that bananas are selling for $45( Rs 3,335) per kilogram, a packet of black tea for $70 ( Rs 5,190) and a packet of coffee for $100 (Rs 7,414).

The sharp inflation in prices has raised a concern and during the central committee meeting, the supreme leader is believed to ask the party leaders to resolve the food crisis as soon as possible.

According to the media reports, the worsening situation of North Korea is due to the failed agricultural output. As per another report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation,

North Korea is going through a food shortage of approx 8,60,000 tonnes.

As far as the food production is concerned, North Korea relies on its neighbour China to meet its food requirements. In a bid to prevent COVID-19 pandemic from entering the country, strict measures were adopted and experts believe that it can be one of the reasons that led to the acute food shortage. Globally, North Korea has been one of the most secretive countries and they have also maintained the fact that the country has not witnessed a single case of COVID-19.

While major restrictions on borders, domestic travel and imports are imposed by the leader, overcoming the food shortage remains a matter of concern for the nation.