Our Awful Situation

Global food shortage hits North Korea hard

Posted by Charlie Kilo on April 29th, 2008

I wonder how this will effect long term relations with North Korea:

Recent news from North Korea reminds many observers of 1996, when the country was on the eve of a disastrous famine. Throughout the past two months, food prices have exploded, and in mid-April the cost of rice reached the unthinkable height of 2,500 North Korean won (US$2.5) per kilo. The normal spring price, fairly stable for the past five years, is about 900 won.

Food distribution was partially stopped lately, even in the capital Pyongyang. In some provincial cities rationing coupons haven’t been accepted in exchange for food since last year. There are reports of farmers eating grass and tree bark, and many accounts of an increasing exodus of refugees.

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