Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Establishes Drought and High-Temperature Countermeasures Headquarters
Tokyo, Japan – The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) announced the establishment of a Drought and High-Temperature Countermeasures Headquarters on July 31, 2025. This proactive initiative underscores the ministry’s commitment to addressing the growing concerns surrounding the potential impacts of prolonged drought conditions and exceptionally high temperatures on Japan’s agricultural sector and vital water resources.
The decision to convene this specialized headquarters reflects a recognition of the critical need for coordinated and comprehensive strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of these environmental challenges. As summer progresses, many regions across Japan are experiencing or are at risk of experiencing significant water scarcity and the detrimental consequences of sustained heatwaves on crops, livestock, and the overall agricultural ecosystem.
The newly formed headquarters will serve as a central hub for information gathering, analysis, and the swift implementation of necessary measures. Its mandate will likely encompass a wide range of activities, including:
- Monitoring and Assessment: Closely tracking precipitation levels, river flows, reservoir capacities, and soil moisture across the country. This will involve real-time data collection and analysis to identify areas most severely affected by drought.
- Impact Evaluation: Assessing the current and potential future impacts of drought and high temperatures on various agricultural products, including rice, vegetables, fruits, and livestock. This will also extend to evaluating the strain on water infrastructure and supplies for irrigation.
- Developing and Implementing Countermeasures: Formulating and executing a suite of immediate and long-term strategies. These may include:
- Water Management: Implementing water-saving irrigation techniques, coordinating water allocation among different users, and exploring the efficient utilization of existing water resources.
- Crop Management: Providing guidance on drought-resistant crop varieties, advising on optimal planting schedules, and recommending soil moisture conservation practices.
- Livestock Support: Developing measures to ensure the welfare of livestock, such as providing adequate water and shade, and potentially offering financial assistance to producers facing significant losses.
- Disaster Preparedness: Enhancing early warning systems and supporting the development of regional contingency plans to respond to agricultural emergencies arising from drought and heat stress.
- Information Dissemination and Support: Ensuring that farmers and agricultural stakeholders receive timely and accurate information regarding weather forecasts, drought conditions, and available support measures. This may involve public awareness campaigns and the provision of expert advice.
- Inter-Agency Coordination: Facilitating collaboration with other relevant government ministries and agencies, as well as local authorities, to ensure a unified and effective response.
The establishment of the Drought and High-Temperature Countermeasures Headquarters signifies MAFF’s dedication to safeguarding the stability and resilience of Japan’s agricultural production and ensuring the continued supply of safe and nutritious food for the nation. The ministry is expected to provide further details on specific actions and support mechanisms as the situation evolves.
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農林水産省 published ‘「農林水産省渇水・高温対策本部」の開催について’ at 2025-07-31 02:05. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.