Taking DPRK as the study area, we comprehensively used statistical data, satellite remote sensing data, Digital Elevation Model data and climate data to study the grain production capacity through time series analysis, geographical area comparison analysis and GIS spatial analysis. On this basis, we compared the grain production capacity of the DPRK with that of China, the Republic of Korea, Liaoning Province and Hebei Province with similar natural conditions, and judged the relative level and development stage of grain production in the DPRK. The results show that: ①DPRK's current grain production capacity is low, and there is a big gap between China and DPRK. In 2019, DPRK's grain yield per unit area is 3 800 kg/hm2, which is equivalent to that of China in 1990 or that of the Republic of Korea in 1970. ②Rice, maize and soybean (83.6%) are the largest grain crops sown in DPRK, which is significantly different from the planting structure of rice, wheat and Maize in China (80.6%) and rice in the Republic of Korea (82.6%). ③The fluctuation of grain production capacity in DPRK is obvious, which can be divided into three stages: stable rising period (1961-1991), drastic decline period (1992-1997), and gradual recovery period (since 1998). ④Although the fertilizer output and application rate in DPRK are relatively low, the comprehensive application of chemical fertilizer and organic fertilizer can approach the current level of fertilizer application in China. ⑤At present, the area of cultivated land with irrigation conditions in DPRK accounts for 67%. Its irrigation capacity is the same as that of the Liaoning and Hebei Provinces in China. ⑥The southern part of DPRK has sufficient water and heat conditions, and the farming system of three crops in two years or two-crops in one year can be implemented to improve grain production. Assuming the implementation of two crops in one year, it can increase grain production by at least 0.83 million tons and guarantee grain supply for 3.19 million people.
