Greenhouse farming, known as “vinyl house” agriculture in North Korea, is rapidly growing in popularity, particularly among individual farmers. In the past, only cooperative farms operated greenhouses, but today, private farmers have begun using this method to grow crops throughout the year, even during the harsh winter months. The trend, driven by the need for higher agricultural productivity, has significantly transformed North Korean rural economies, allowing farmers to grow vegetables, fruits, and even flowers outside traditional growing seasons.
Expansion of Greenhouse Agriculture
As reported by the Unification Research Institute of South Korea, the use of greenhouses has expanded in regions like Sinuiju and Wehwa Island, where individual farmers have embraced this technology to produce off-season crops. One notable development is that some cooperative farms are renting out portions of their land to private individuals, allowing them to set up greenhouses, especially during the winter months when the collective farms lie fallow.
This shift marks a significant departure from North Korea’s past agricultural policies, which strictly controlled private farming. Farmers are now taking advantage of the opportunity to grow crops in greenhouses and sell them at higher prices in the market, particularly during the winter when fresh produce is scarce.
Benefits and Challenges
- Year-Round Crop Production:
Greenhouses offer the ability to grow crops all year, including winter vegetables and fruits like strawberries, which were previously unavailable during colder months. This is a significant advantage for farmers, as off-season crops fetch much higher prices in North Korean markets. For instance, in Sinuiju, greenhouse-grown produce like strawberries has become available in local markets even in winter, creating a profitable niche for farmers. - Income Boost:
According to local reports, farmers who manage greenhouses can earn several hundred dollars during the winter season alone, a substantial income in North Korea. This is especially true for those growing high-demand items like fruits and vegetables for special occasions, such as weddings or ceremonial feasts. The ability to produce flowers in greenhouses has also opened new revenue streams for some farmers. - Flood Risks and Other Challenges:
Despite the advantages, greenhouse farming in North Korea faces significant challenges. The recent floods that submerged parts of Sinuiju and surrounding areas have caused damage to many greenhouses. As these structures are highly susceptible to water damage, such natural disasters pose a serious risk to farmers’ livelihoods. Floodwaters can wipe out crops, delay planting schedules, and lead to costly repairs. - Energy and Heating Solutions:
One of the main challenges for greenhouse farming, especially during North Korea’s harsh winters, is maintaining adequate heating. Given the scarcity of fuel, farmers have come up with creative solutions, such as using heated stones or burning alternative fuels like corn husks to keep their greenhouses warm. While coal is typically used, the COVID-19 pandemic caused disruptions in coal supply, leading to the use of other fuels. Fortunately, the prices of these alternative fuels decreased during the pandemic, making it somewhat easier for farmers to continue their greenhouse operations.
New Distribution Networks
With the rise of greenhouse farming, new distribution networks have emerged to connect rural farmers with urban markets. In cities like Sinuiju, specialized middlemen now purchase produce directly from greenhouses in bulk, transporting it to local markets. This system has reduced the need for farmers to travel long distances to sell their products, allowing them to focus more on production. The rise of this informal but efficient distribution network has been a game-changer for many greenhouse farmers, giving them access to broader markets and more stable incomes.
Greenhouse farming in North Korea is a growing trend that offers significant economic opportunities for farmers, despite the environmental and logistical challenges they face. By enabling year-round crop production and creating new distribution channels, greenhouses have become an essential tool for improving food security and boosting rural incomes. However, the threat of natural disasters, coupled with the need for reliable heating, continues to be a challenge. As the agricultural landscape in North Korea evolves, greenhouse farming is likely to play an increasingly important role in sustaining both livelihoods and food supply.
