North Korea is about to receive a shipment of 447 goats from Russia, and it’s causing quite a stir in the country. While the world often hears about North Korea’s missile programs, this goat delivery could actually have a big impact on the lives of many North Koreans.
Here’s the scoop: North Korea has been dealing with severe food shortages and high levels of child malnutrition. Many children in the country are growing up undernourished and stunted. To tackle this issue, North Korea is focusing on improving its dairy production by bringing in a batch of goats.
The goats—432 females and 15 males—are heading to Nampo, a city on the Yellow Sea near Pyongyang. Nampo is preparing for their arrival by setting up goat farms and facilities to help these animals thrive. This initiative is part of a bigger plan to boost the production of dairy products, which will hopefully improve nutrition for the children.
These goats are making headlines not just because of their numbers but also because of their journey. They are coming from near Leningrad in Russia, traveling over 6,000 miles by sea to the port of Rason on North Korea’s east coast. After that, they’ll be driven another 500 miles to Nampo.
The excitement around these goats contrasts sharply with North Korea’s military ambitions. While the country is known for its missile programs and military threats, it seems that these goats could have a more direct impact on everyday life in North Korea. Experts hope the goats will help address some of the severe malnutrition issues in the country.
North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, has been pushing for economic reform and faster agricultural production. However, there’s skepticism about his priorities, as he appears more focused on military development than on improving the food situation. One of his top aides was recently in Moscow, likely to check out new weaponry.
North Korea has a history of struggling with livestock management. In the late 1990s, a previous attempt to introduce 1,001 cows ended in disaster because the country was not prepared to care for them. Many of the cows died due to poor management.
Experts believe goats might be a better fit for North Korea. They’re easier to raise than cattle, but their success will depend on how well they’re managed. If the North Korean authorities can handle this new livestock well, it could be a significant step toward improving food security in the country.
So, while the world keeps an eye on North Korea’s missile tests, it’s also worth watching how these 447 goats could make a difference in the lives of the country’s children.
