New agriculture minister Koizumi officially takes over duties
Japan's new agriculture minister Koizumi Shinjiro has pledged to tackle soaring rice prices as he officially takes over from his predecessor Eto Taku.
Koizumi spoke to reporters about the release of government stockpiles of rice when he arrived at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on Thursday.
He said the ministry will supply the reserve rice without limit if necessary. He said he wants to act quickly and make every effort to be able to deliver results as soon as possible.
Koizumi and Eto met in the minister's office in the afternoon. Eto stepped down over his controversial remarks about rice.
After a handshake, Eto passed handover documents to Koizumi, saying "I'll leave it in your hands." Koizumi replied, "Got it."
Koizumi told reporters on Wednesday that the ministry will put a fourth auction of stockpiled rice on hold. The ministry under Eto had planned the auction for next week.
Koizumi instead announced a plan to switch to direct contracts with individual buyers.
With rice prices continuing to soar, the question is whether the new agriculture minister can help bring them down.
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