Agriculture Minister Suzuki inspects rice projects and flood damage

Agriculture Minister Norikazu Suzuki conducted inspections of agricultural initiatives and disaster-affected areas in Japan. In Izumiotsu, the Minister reviewed the city’s efforts to connect urban consumption with rural production, specifically noting the use of organic and specially cultivated rice in all local school lunches. He also inspected the ‘Aged Rice Project,’ a demonstration experiment conducted with Toyo Rice to test the long-term preservation and quality of rice through a controlled aging process.

In Ishikawa Prefecture, Minister Suzuki visited the Ucchigata reclamation area in Hakui City to assess damage caused by heavy rains. The flooding submerged approximately 400 hectares of rice paddies, with many crops becoming unsalable due to germination. Following discussions with local officials and farmers, the Minister pledged to do his utmost to support the rapid recovery of agricultural facilities and farming operations.