In North Hamgyong, farm households receive 5kg of newly harvested rice for Chuseok
Farmers in the border regions are engaged in autumn harvesting. [Photo/NK Times]
Some farms in North Hamgyong Province have reportedly distributed newly harvested rice to farm households for the annual Chuseok harvest festival.
This measure appears to be aimed at supplying sufficient rice for farmers to use for ancestral ceremonies at family graves during the holiday.
“Between September 26 and 30, farms in cities and counties across the province, including Hoeryong City, supplied 5kg of freshly harvested rice to each household,” a source in North Hamgyong told NK Times on October 6, which was the day when the rites are performed.
“This was carried out under the provincial party’s directive that farmers who had worked hard all year should be able to offer warm freshly cooked rice at their ancestors’ graves,” he said.
“Since around 40% of the rice weight is husk when milled, the actual amount of edible rice comes to about 3kg on average,” he said. “Although it’s a small amount, it’s enough to get through the Chuseok holiday.”
“Without this, farmers would have had to buy rice at unofficial market prices to prepare for the rites,” he said. “Thanks to the rice distribution, some of the burden and worry farmers face during Chuseok has been eased.”
Meanwhile, some farmers are reportedly selling part of their rice allotment at local markets. It’s said they are using the proceeds to purchase food and daily necessities needed for the holiday.
“Farmers usually face a severe shortage of basic necessities like cooking oil, soy sauce, and salt. That’s why they’re selling the rice they received to buy food and essential items,” he said.
Commenting on the situation, a defector identified A said, “Even in North Korea, Chuseok is an important holiday where families gather to honor their ancestors, and offering freshly cooked rice is a traditional ritual. I hope the rice supply allows farmers to offer warm rice at their ancestors’ graves and enjoy a happy Chuseok.”
Kang is a reporter at NK Times, a Seoul-based media outlet focused on North Korean issues. He was born in 1978 in Chongjin and graduated from Chongjin 1st High School in North Korea. After 10 years of military service in the 4th Army Corps, he attended Chongjin Agricultural University before defecting.
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