economy

The irrigation foundation of the DPRK has been further consolidated over the past two years.

Irrigation projects for hundreds of thousands of hectares of fields have been completed across the country, making it possible to fully irrigate nearly 10 000 hectares of paddy fields, which had been turned into dry fields.

Detailed yearly plans were made to readjust and reinforce the overall irrigation system of the country and priority was given to relevant projects in the areas prone to damage from drought and inundation. And the dredging of rivers and streams, bank repair and coastal dyke construction were carried out in a qualitative way.

A detailed technical design for making the irrigation system permanent was drawn up and issued and labour, materials and construction equipment were provided in a flexible manner.

North Phyongan Province organized technical forces on the basis of a detailed survey of areas severely affected by drought and introduced efficient working methods to suit their specific conditions. South Phyongan, South Hamgyong and other provinces set an example in dry field irrigation and generalized good experiences.

Every province held a passing-on-technique meeting on a regular basis and actively invented and used rational tools in work.

Last year strenuous nationwide efforts were made to supply such equipment and materials as pumps and electric motors needed for irrigation projects.

The officials and workers of the Taedonggang Electrical Appliances Factory and Pyongyang Electric Motor Factory carried out their production assignments in a responsible manner by tapping internal reserves and ensuring the operation of equipment at full capacity.

The Songchongang Electrical Appliances Factory, Anju Pump Factory and Jangsan Electrical Appliances Factory increased production by introducing technical innovation proposals for shortening the time of equipment manufacture while using less labour and materials.

The Phyongsong and Haeju irrigation machine factories and other factories and enterprises in the irrigation sector made strenuous efforts to produce and supply enough pumps to the irrigation project sites. And the transport sector carried irrigation equipment and materials quickly.

The irrigation system stretching across socialist fields to ensure stable development of agriculture gives great strength and courage to agricultural officials and workers who have turned out in the struggle for increased grain production.