In this regard, KCNA had an interview with Director Kim Kwang Phil and Senior Counsellor Kim Kwang Ju of the Land and Environmental Conservation Exchange Company under the Ministry of Land and Environmental Conservation.

Question: Would you like to tell me about the achievements the country has scored in agro-forestry management activities?

Answer (Kim Kwang Phil): After an experience-sharing workshop on the agro-forestry management, which was held in Suan County, North Hwanghae Province in November Juche 101 (2012), the activities have gained momentum in various local regions.

Arable land for agro-forestry management has sharply increased, especially in Kaechon City in South Phyongan Province and Yonggwang and Jongphyong counties in South Hamgyong Province.

More than 100 sloping land user groups have already been active in North Hwanghae Province.

The activities include cross visits among the groups, training of technicians and workshops on agro-forestry management.

Question: I would like to hear about the experience gained in the activities and their prospect.

Answer (Kim Kwang Ju): The government chose the Suan County as an exemplary area and began launching the activities in 2004 in cooperation with the sloping land user groups in the county.

At the first, trees, crops, herbs and wild edible greens were planted in forests in a three-dimensional way, interwoven with pasturage. Then the scope of such management has gradually been expanded.

The groups are required to properly carry out the land utility plan with priority given to dissemination of scientific and technological information and land inclinations, fertility of soil and distances from communities taken into consideration

Dry-field rice is mainly cultivated instead of maize, with primary efforts being paid to crop diversification in accordance with specific features of sloping lands.

Crop rotation takes place each year and double-cropping is done if possible.

The company plans to expand the management activities on degraded sloping lands by the year 2015.