North Korea Drought Dims Crop Outlook

WASHINGTON - Jun 5/01 - STAT -- There is a chance rainfall could return to normal in North Korea during June and July, but at this time the country is facing one of its worst droughts in recent memory.

In a recent analysis of the situation in the country, the USDA's Foreign Agriculture Service noted rainfall in May 2001 was the lowest in 20 years in southwest North Korea, while the northwestern part of the country is experiencing the seventh driest season of the past 20.

FAS analysts said winter wheat and barley are coming under considerable stress from current conditions; while the lack of rainfall has delayed or prevented the planting of potatoes, spring wheat, and corn.

Rice transplanting started in May and will continue through June. Wells and reservoirs were greatly depleted by drought during 2000, and water for irrigation may be insufficient this summer unless replenishing rains arrive soon.

In 1996, southwestern North Korea faced a spring drought which continued into June, causing large crop losses. Flooding in May and June 1997 also caused serious damage. This region accounts for half North Korea's grain production.

Northwest North Korea received below normal rainfall in May 2001 but it was not as dry as the southwest. Spring rainfall is less variable in this part of the country, a major corn and rice production area.