According to Ri Kyong Dok, department director of the Ministry of Agriculture, more than 16,600 hectares of new land were secured throughout the country up to now this year, through such projects as river improvement, straightening of waterways and relocation of public buildings.

At least 2,000 hectares of new land were acquired each in South Hwanghae, North Hamgyong and North Phyongan provinces, 1,800 hectares in North Hwanghae Province, 1,700 hectares in South Hamgyong Province and 1,600 hectares in South Phyongan Province.

Preparations are going on to cultivate rice, corn and other grain crops in the newly cultivated lands.