FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/99 - JAPAN (2 November)
In September and October, tropical storms brought heavy rainfall, resulting in localised flooding and some crop damage to the rice crop, particularly around in the south around Kyushu. As a result the Ministry of Agriculture lowered its forecast for rice production from its projection in September. Official forecast indicates that 1999 rice production, (brown basis) will be around 9.18 million tonnes, some 3 percent above last year. The government proposes to provide subsidies to farmers to grow wheat, soybeans and feed grains to improve self- sufficiency in these crops and promote a shift from rice. In addition farmers will be paid compensation for reducing rice cultivation.
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