01-07-2025
Japan eyes reform of rice policy to expand production
Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru says more needs to be done to ensure price stability in the rice market. He says that includes boosting production in a way that benefits both consumers and farmers.
Ishiba convened a meeting of relevant ministers on Tuesday to discuss the government's efforts to achieve that goal.
He said the release of national rice reserves and other measures are steadily producing results, noting that prices have come down to the government's target range. Going forward, Ishiba said ministers should ramp up efforts on long-term solutions.
He said: "We aim to increase production starting from this year. We will change our rice policy to ensure stable supply for consumers and sufficient income for farmers so they can work without worrying."
Ishiba also vowed to find out what caused the price of rice to surge. He said that will include a probe of the distribution system.
The latest nationwide survey released by the agriculture ministry on Monday shows the price of rice at supermarkets falling for a fifth straight week, hitting a four-month low. But, that was still about 70 percent higher from a year earlier.
