The Unification Ministry says it is considering North Korea’s recent request for an unusually large amount of fertilizer aid.

Unification Minister Chung Dong-young said in an interview with KBS Radio on Monday that Seoul would discuss fertilizer aid and agricultural support with the North once the two Koreas open dialogue.

Chung also said Seoul would also discuss providing seeds and farming equipment as well as expanding pilot farming complexes since the fundamental way to improve the North's agricultural problem is to expand production.

Asked if Seoul would send a special envoy to the North to arrange another inter-Korean summit, Chung said the government would approach the matter in a prudent manner after considering internal and external situations.

The North Korean Red Cross had requested on January 13th that South Korea donate 500 thousand tons of fertilizer in spring in time with this year’s planting season.