If the prediction comes to pass, it will mean about 9 million North Koreans will go hungry because of a shortage of cereals. The assessment by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Program says agricultural production will fall short despite favorable growing conditions because of shortages of fertilizer and fuel.

"(North Korea) will face a severe food situation over the coming months," said Henri Josserand, head of the food program's global information and early warning system. "The prospects for next year are bleak, with a substantial deficit of basic foods that will only partly be covered by commercial imports and anticipated food aid."

The assessment projects there will be a cereal deficit of more than 800,000 tons, even with imports.