DPRK top leader calls for bigger effort on agriculture production

PYONGYANG, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Kim Jong Il, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), called on the whole country to make bigger effort on farming, the official Rodong Sinmun daily said on Sunday.

Agriculture is of importance for building a prosperous and powerful nation, Kim said while inspecting a farm in Hamju County, South Hamgyong province, where a good harvest of rice and potato is expected.

The undated photo released on June 6, 2009 by the Korean Central News  Agency (KCNA) shows Kim Jong Il (C, front), top leader of the Democratic  People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), inspecting a factory in Tanchon city  in South Hamgyong-Do of DPRK. (Xinhua/KCNA)

He also called for more scientific research to improve the fertility of soil and to overcome the unfavorable weather conditions in the east coast of the country where usually severe cold weather has in winter and the rate of sunshine hours is low.

He noted it was essential to realize the comprehensive mechanization in the agricultural sector in order to meet the acute shortage of farming manpower.

DPRK media have reported Kim's inspection in South Hamgyong province for two days, but did not give the exact date of the visits.