石破いしば首相しゅしょう 米こめ増産ぞうさんに舵かじを切きる方針ほうしん表明ひょうめい 輸出ゆしゅつ拡大かくだいに全力ぜんりょく

Prime Minister Ishiba, regarding rice policy, announced a shift towards increasing production, stating that the inability to foresee demand and insufficient production had led to soaring prices. He expressed his intention to halt the expansion of abandoned farmland and to make every effort to fundamentally expand exports.

The government held a meeting of relevant cabinet ministers at the Prime Ministers Office on the evening of the 5th to discuss the stable supply of rice, with Prime Minister Ishiba, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Koizumi, and others in attendance.

In this, Prime Minister Ishiba explained that, regarding the results of the investigation into the causes of the rice price surge, the perspectives of household consumption and inbound demand were lacking, which led to the judgment that production was sufficient, and that the timing and method of releasing reserve rice were not appropriate.

On top of that, they sincerely acknowledged the shortage in rice production and announced a policy shift toward increasing production. They also expressed their intention to halt the expansion of abandoned farmland, pass farmland on to the next generation, and make every effort to fundamentally expand exports.

And we will work to improve productivity through measures such as expanding and incorporating agricultural management and promoting smart agriculture, as well as to enhance added value in response to consumer needs.

When reviewing the paddy field policy for the year after next, he stated, Instead of telling farmers Dont grow rice, we will shift to supporting those who aim to improve productivity so that they can proactively work on increasing production.

He also expressed his intention to consider creating a new system to protect terraced rice fields and other areas in mountainous regions.

On the other hand, instructions were given to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to work together to address concerns about the impact of drought and high temperatures on rice growth and to mitigate any potential damage.