The government held a cabinet meeting to ensure stable rice supply amid soaring prices, and Prime Minister Ishiba announced a policy to “shift toward increasing rice production.”
Prime Minister Ishiba stated: “In revising the paddy field policy for fiscal year Reiwa 9, we will shift our support to encourage proactive efforts by farmers improving productivity to increase production, rather than discouraging rice cultivation.”
During the cabinet meeting on stabilizing rice supply, Minister of Agriculture Koizumi presented an analysis of the factors behind rising rice prices and the government’s response, including the judgment that “production was sufficient” despite insufficient projections for inbound tourism demand and supply volume, as well as the inappropriate timing and method of releasing reserve rice stocks.
In response, Prime Minister Ishiba acknowledged, “We sincerely recognize the shortage in production,” and announced future policies, including shifting toward increased production and making every effort to fundamentally expand exports.
