In North Korea’s inland regions, such as South Pyongan and Hwanghae provinces, farmers typically plant potatoes in mid-March and harvest them after the summer solstice (June 21). However, reports from Radio Free Asia (RFA) reveal that many are now harvesting potatoes as early as late May—weeks ahead of schedule—to prevent theft.
Local sources describe how potato theft has become so rampant that families take turns guarding their fields at night, even sleeping outdoors to protect their crops. Some have resorted to building thorny fences, but these measures often fail. The desperation is so severe that farmers prefer harvesting prematurely, even if it means losing half their potential yield, rather than risking total loss to thieves.
The Cost of Early Harvests
Potatoes, being root crops, grow rapidly after flowering, which occurs around 50 days after planting. The month between mid-May and the summer solstice is critical for tuber development. Harvesting in late May instead of June reduces yields by more than 50%, with a plot that could yield 200 kg producing less than 100 kg.
Yet, farmers see early harvesting as the lesser evil. Potatoes are a vital food source, bridging the gap until the maize harvest in mid-July. For some, they also serve as a trading commodity or next year’s seed stock. The situation underscores how food scarcity is distorting agricultural practices and eroding social trust.
A Symptom of Broader Food Insecurity
North Korea’s chronic food shortages, exacerbated by economic mismanagement, sanctions, and climate-related disruptions, have pushed many to desperate measures. According to the UN’s 2023 Global Report on Food Crises, over 40% of North Korea’s population is food-insecure. The World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that 10.9 million North Koreans (43% of the population) suffer from undernourishment.
The early potato harvest is not just a farming adjustment—it’s a survival strategy in a failing food system. As theft becomes normalized, it reflects a society where hunger overrides morality, and basic sustenance is a daily struggle.
North Korea’s potato theft crisis highlights the severe food insecurity plaguing the country. Farmers are sacrificing yields to secure even minimal harvests, revealing systemic failures in agriculture and food distribution. Without significant reforms or international aid, such desperate measures may become further entrenched.
