SEOUL, Nov. 9 (Yonhap) -- North Korea is estimated to secure a total of 4.4 million tons of rice and corn to feed its people next year, an international organization said Friday.

   The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations said in a report that the North may be able to produce 1.8 million tons of rice in 2013, while importing another 300,000 tons to secure a total of 2.1 million tons.

   About 100,000 tons will likely be set aside for emergency use, the report said.

   The organization said the country is also predicted to secure 2.3 million tons of corn by yielding 2.1 million tons and importing the rest.

   The estimated food amount would allow a North Korean to consume 74.4 kilograms of rice as well as 80.3 kilograms of corn next year, up slightly from 72.2 kilograms of rice and 68.3 kilograms of corn in 2012.

   The organization also predicted South Korea will secure the annual rice inventory of 4.5 million tons for next year.

   pbr@yna.co.kr
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