The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) forecasts global crop production to reach a record high this year but this isn't the case in North Korea. The FAO believes two-point-eight million North Koreans will need food aid before the October harvest period.

In a report on crop prospects and food supply, the UN agency said total global crop production is expected to reach an all-time high of nearly two-point-four-eight billion tons this year, up six-point-eight percent from last year.

But the report says a chronic food shortage continues in North Korea.

Senior fellow at the Korea Rural Economic Institute Gweon Tae-jin says the ration system has collapsed in the North and the socially vulnerable have no means to secure food. 

He said food aid for vulnerable North Koreans is a constant need.