The North Korean authorities are to distribute more than twice last years’ volume of potatoes to the people of Daehongdan County in Yangkang Province, Daily NK has confirmed. There are differences in volume depending upon workplace, but on average, compared with last year when enough potato for one to two months was distributed, this year’s six months has lessened worries about winter food security.
A source from the province told Daily NK on the 18th, “In the lead up to the potato harvest, the authorities told the people there would be no rations, then, just a short time later, we received rations after all. When they initially said that only teachers would receive rations, the popular dissatisfaction it incited was no small matter, but it turned out to be a bumper harvest, so they distributed the rations to put a stop to the annoyance.”
“Whatever; now our worries about food for the winter have eased. There was a bumper crop this year, against expectation. It was a good year, and the authorities probably decided to give out the potatoes as soon as the people began to strongly object.”
Delineating the relative degrees of distribution, the source added, “In the case of more powerful factory enterprises, hundreds of kilos of potatoes have been distributed, enough for a year. To units with less power, relatively smaller amounts have been distributed; a few months worth.”
Although the potato rations have been widely welcomed, the societal preference for rice as a staple means that many of the beneficiaries of the potato rations are concerned that the generosity now hides the intention not to supply the people of the region with rice later.
Fermented soybean paste has also been distributed to everyone, it has also been revealed. Commonly, the popular curd, a good source of protein, is only distributed to military and security agencies.
The source said, “Getting the bean paste as well as the potatoes was unbelievable. But it has been distributed, and the people are welcoming the move.”
