Key Facts
• August 25: Minister Shinjiro Koizumi visited Kirishima City, Kagoshima, after heavy rain.
• Inspected damaged irrigation channels and flooded livestock markets.
• Discussed with rice farmers about disaster-resilient agricultural infrastructure.
• Highlighted the need to improve income insurance against climate-related risks.
• Concerns raised over drought, heavy rain, and rising temperatures affecting rice harvest.
• Koizumi noted high rice prices and pledged to monitor and address the situation.
• Emphasized Kagoshima’s role as a leading livestock exporter and the need to support recovery.
• Government plans to designate the area as a severe disaster zone.
• Koizumi stressed financial support for local governments to ensure smooth recovery efforts.
Summary
On August 25, Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi visited Kirishima City, Kagoshima, to assess the damage caused by recent heavy rains in the Kyushu region. He inspected irrigation channels and livestock markets affected by flooding and discussed disaster-resilient agricultural infrastructure with rice farmers. Koizumi emphasized the importance of adapting to climate change and improving income insurance to mitigate risks. Concerns were raised about the impact of extreme weather on rice harvests and prices, with Koizumi pledging to monitor the situation closely. Highlighting Kagoshima’s significance as a major livestock exporter, he stressed the need to support recovery efforts to maintain export momentum. The government is expected to designate the area as a severe disaster zone, and Koizumi assured financial backing for local governments to expedite recovery work.
