Ryanggang province, North Korea’s largest potato-producing region, has completely halted its annual potato distribution to local residents this fall. This is expected to cause severe food shortages for vulnerable populations this winter.
A source in the province told Daily NK on Tuesday, “All potatoes harvested in Hyesan this year were sent to potato processing facilities, with not even one kilogram distributed to local residents. The sudden halt in potato rations came after central authorities ordered increased production of processed potato products, a specialty of the province.”
Hyesan traditionally distributed potatoes to workers and dependent households at affordable prices from early to mid-October. Considered a versatile food source that can be used in various dishes including rice, side dishes, and soups, potatoes were a significant help in solving winter food security issues for Hyesan residents, especially vulnerable populations.
However, since COVID-19, potato rations have gradually decreased, and this year’s complete halt has left the city’s residents worried about winter food supplies.
“Potato rations account for 50-60% of winter food supply for Hyesan residents,” the source said. “With no potato distribution at all this year, the winter food shortage will be unimaginably severe.”
The source further explained, “Until last year, working households received 100-200 kilograms of potatoes at prices lower than the market rate. This year, potato production dropped sharply due to flood damage, seemingly leading to the distribution halt. Meeting state plans always takes priority over distribution of food to people.”
Potato ration cuts spark public frustration
North Koreans are expressing frustration with the situation. “How are we supposed to survive these difficult times if they won’t even give us potatoes?” said one person, while another complained, “It’s infuriating that they’re cutting off potato rations, which are like a staple food for Hyesan people, just to make specialty products.”
According to the source, a Hyesan resident in their 60s lamented, “Until September, even though life was difficult, I endured thinking we’d get potato rations in October. People complained when they started disappearing 2-3 years ago, but this year they’re completely gone and no one’s even talking about it. Life is so hard, I just want to die quickly.”
Another of the city’s residents in his 40s sighed, “The fall potato rations helped ease my guilt about not being able to contribute to family finances while working at my job 365 days a year, but I can’t even do that this year.
“It breaks my heart to see my wife working herself to death to feed the family, and I feel helpless about my own inadequacy. The thought of our whole family going hungry through the cold winter is overwhelming.”
The source concluded, “Fall is when every household needs money the most to prepare for winter. Potato rations were like a savior for economically struggling residents, but this year, without even that, many people will have to endure both cold and hunger.”
The Daily NK works with a network of sources in North Korea, China, and elsewhere. For security reasons, their identities remain anonymous.
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