The Unification Ministry says support from the outside world, including South Korea, is key to raising food production in North Korea.

A ministry report released Tuesday said the North has mobilized domestic forces to meet its production goal of five million tons of grain this year.

It added that because the famine-stricken country has suffered from lack of fertilizer, agricultural chemicals and farming equipment, outside support will determine whether it reaches its goal.

The report also said the North annually needs 1.55 million tons of fertilizer, but produces only 400 thousand to 500 thousand tons. Even if the country imports 400 thousand to 500 thousand tons from abroad, it is still one-third short of the needed figure.