North Korea Reports Expansion of Milk Production to Boost Children’s Development

Rodong Sinmun reported on the 7th that following the implementation of the party’s childcare policy, North Korea has expanded its national milk production capacity and established a national supply system, thus improving the growth status of children.

The newspaper claimed, “Since the implementation of the party’s new childcare policy, milk supply has been continuous everywhere where children of nursery and kindergarten age are present, and noticeable changes have occurred in the children’s growth.”

In June of 2021, North Korea decided on a policy to improve childcare conditions for children at the 8th Central Committee of the Party. It adopted a new childcare law at the 6th session of the 14th Supreme People’s Assembly.

The newspaper reported, “Afterwards, a project to increase milk production was carried out in all provinces, cities, and counties nationwide. In Hamgyongbuk-do, the number of goats and dairy cows was increased by more than three times, and tens of thousands of grasslands were newly created.”

It added, “Everywhere, projects are being carried out to develop milk processing technology to guarantee the quality and hygiene safety of dairy products thoroughly. Necessary conditions such as power generators, refrigeration and storage facilities, and transport containers have been provided to milk production and supply units everywhere.”

It also claimed, “Projects to set up milk supply rooms in a hygienic manner at the offices of each region are being vigorously carried out, and the growth and development status of children is improving.”

The newspaper stated, “When the childcare policy was implemented, nutritional status indicators for children were selected at the end of the following year, and a nutritional survey was conducted by age. The results showed an increase in height and weight of children aged 3 to 6 compared to the previous year.”

It said, “The proportion of children who are short for their age and have suffered from diseases such as diarrhea, colds, and bronchitis has also decreased.”

The newspaper also added, “As the results of last year’s survey on the growth and development status of children show, it is evaluated that the immunity of children overall has been strengthened and the nutritional status of children in rural areas is improving daily.”