Japan's agriculture minister vows to tackle drought impact on rice crop
Low levels of rainfall in parts of Japan, including the Hokuriku and Tohoku regions, are worrying farmers.
Koizumi visited the Ohyachi Dam in the Niigata town of Tsunan on Sunday to observe the situation.
The dam's water level is down to 6 percent of its full capacity, prompting operators to suspend outflows of water from Thursday.
Local rice farmers told the minister that the critical time for rice growth is approaching so they are worried about the dam's water supply suspension.
Koizumi replied that the ministry is working to address the situation in response to local calls, by such means as deploying water trucks.
He told reporters that the public is paying keen attention to this year's rice yields. Koizumi vowed to grasp the situation on the ground and promptly implement necessary measures.
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