Annual rice threshing tasks are still underway in many parts of North Korea, contrary to statements by Chosun Central Television that this year's work had been completed early, an inside source has revealed.

North Korean authorities mobilized electricity, materials and manpower to regions that traditionally produce a large yield, and have since actively promoted the early completion of these tasks..

The source from North Korea’s Hwanghae Province spoke to Daily NK on the 25th; “The harvesting and threshing in the breadbasket region of Hwanghae that started in September was completed at the same time. The authorities mobilized university students and airlifted in comparatively good machinery which meant that work finished earlier than in previous years.”

“They are boasting about finishing early, but the work isn't complete everywhere in the country, including in those regions without electricity. The harvest just stacks up, and many places the locals are just carrying out curing tasks. People express disbelief when they hear the broadcasts saying that all the threshing has been completed,” the source added.

Furthermore, “The number of people who pay no mind to reports that do not realistically portray their lives is rising. Instead, they are growing increasingly concerned about the amount they will receive, rather than what the propaganda says."

According to the source, this year saw the North Korean authorities guarantee as a matter of priority the distribution of electricity and resources and the active mobilization of citizens to regions directly managed by the state, including Chongsan-ri in Kangso County, South Pyongan Province and Taetan County in South Hwanghae Province. While the work finished early in these areas, for other regions nothing has changed.

“A cause for concern in some regions that is that if the soldiers running a farm do the threshing then thievery occurs. You can see instances where that kind of thing is just let go. People make rice polishing machines on their own, and the whole rice plant is brought in to get the rice out of it,” the source explained.

It was also revealed that even though the threshing work may have finished in some parts, many have still not received their promised portion as harvested rice is first sent to Pyongyang, the National Security Agency and the Ministry of People’s Security.

“While the Upper are saying that all will get their portion of promised rice, not many believe them. People are saying, 'If the amount given to the center increases, won't we get a smaller portion,' and ‘They might give us the older, long-stored rice and then get on their high horse about it.'"

Meanwhile, Chosun Central Television stated on the 21st that, “The threshing was 100% complete by November 18th.” It was also claimed that this year’s harvesting and threshing was completed over a month in advance compared with previous years.