Agricultural Drones in North Korea

A multi-rotor agricultural drone is seen flying above crops in a fieldAn agricultural drone shown in Korean Central Television on June 4, 2023

Over the last few years, North Korea appears to have been trying to drive more science and innovation into its agricultural sector.

Much of that innovation has occurred at the government’s weather provider, the State Hydrometeorological Administration. The agency now claims to have weather data for every county in North Korea, and accurate data is transmitted to citizens through smartphone apps and the national intranet. There is also an agricultural weather service.

Another innovation has come with the use of drones in crop analysis and maintenance. Last week on Korean Central Television, the evening news reported on one such effort to modernize fruit farming. The report focused on Taedonggang Fruit Farm, a large fruit farm about 20 kilometers northeast of central Pyongyang.

Here’s the drone in use:

A picture of a multi-rotor drone, sitting on the ground. Next to it is an operator and assistant.

An agricultural drone shown in Korean Central Television on June 4, 2023

A multi-rotor agricultural drone is seen flying above crops in a field

An agricultural drone shown in Korean Central Television on June 4, 2023

An affiliate of 38 North