FAO: Food shortage in N. Korea persists

The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO) forecasts Friday that the food shortage in North Korea would continue through this year to the next.

The FAO indicated in its special report, "Global information and early warning system on food and agriculture world food program," that the food shortage crisis will not improve because the amount of rainfall this year has again fallen below the average for the season. In addition, a labor shortage has meant that farmers have not been able to receive proper irrigation.

The report also indicated that with the lack of foreign currency, North Korea has not been able to import adequate food or invest in production facilities. As such, for the period of May through October, prior to the harvest season, North Korea must depend on the international community for food aid.