North Korea has ordered residents of Pyongyang to work at cooperative farms.

The Chosun Shinbo, the daily of a pro-North association in Japan, said Thursday that Pyongyang residents have completely set aside their jobs at factories and offices to help in agriculture as ordered by their government.

It said the eerily tranquility of downtown Pyongyang is in stark contrast to the bustle of collective farms.

The North customarily mobilizes workers during its rice-planting season but has greatly stepped up efforts this year.

Pyongyang has said it will take drastic measures to resolve its food shortage this year, the 60th anniversary of its ruling Workers' Party.