FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 09/98 - JAPAN (3 September)
In early August, the country experienced the heaviest rainfall in more than 80 years damaging infrastructure and housing. Worst hit were the rice producing northern regions of the country. Nearly 17 000 hectares of farmland were damaged and the overall cost of the damage so far is estimated at US$ 180 million.
This year the country has already increased the area setaside by 176 000 hectares to 963 000 hectares, under the Area Land Diversion Programme designed to cut rice production and reduce large stocks. Recent reports indicate that this year's paddy output is expected to be about 10 percent below last year’s reduced output.
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