Nagasaki citrus yields expected to drop due to severe drought

Severe drought in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, is significantly impacting citrus production. Following a period of over 50 consecutive days with less than 5mm of daily rainfall—the longest such period in 30 years—local farmers are reporting stunted fruit growth and leaf damage.

Nagasaki Governor Ken Hirata inspected citrus orchards in Miyazu-cho on October 6 to assess the damage. Producers noted that fruit diameters are smaller than usual and leaves are curling due to water stress. The JA Nagasaki Saikai Sasebo Citrus Division estimates that the annual harvest could drop to 60% or 70% of typical yields. Specifically, production may fall below 7,000 tons, down from approximately 9,900 tons last year, potentially reducing sales from 3.6 billion yen to under 3 billion yen.

Farmers have expressed concerns that the lack of water may weaken tree vitality, leading to negative impacts through 2027. Local agricultural groups are calling for long-term drought countermeasures and the continued use of river water intake to mitigate the crisis.