Question from readers:
What are the reasons the government is not releasing its stockpiled rice? I believe it should be utilized during the current rice crisis in the Reiwa era.
Considering Stockpiled Rice and Its Release
Recently, I’ve been hearing the term “Reiwa rice crisis” more frequently. There are various opinions circulating about why the government is not releasing its stockpiled
rice. Some suggest that the vested interests of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries are behind this decision, while others argue that it deviates from the original purpose of stockpiled rice. Both perspectives have merit, but I want to delve deeper into this issue in my own way.
The Influence of Vested Interests
The assertion that the LDP and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries are exacerbating the rise in rice prices is indeed a concerning point. Agricultural cooperatives and bureaucrats within the ministry are trying to protect their interests by promoting policies that reduce rice production, which ultimately leads to a shortage and an increase in prices. Considering this structure, one might question how releasing the stockpiled rice would impact their vested interests. If the stockpiled rice were to be released, prices could plummet, potentially harming the profits of farmers and stakeholders. This may explain why the government is hesitant to make an easy decision to release it.
The Original Purpose of Stockpiled Rice
Originally, stockpiled rice was prepared for use during poor harvests. While younger generations may not fully grasp this, there have been instances in the past where rice disappeared from the market. This experience led to the establishment of the stockpiled rice system. The current situation is a result of hoarding, not a poor harvest. Therefore, it makes sense that the government must be cautious about releasing it. However, I believe the current situation should raise questions of “political responsibility.” I feel that the delay in judgment from the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is problematic. Especially with the upcoming summer House of Councillors election, actions that disregard past examples in an attempt to recover approval ratings could undermine trust in agriculture in the long run.
Summary and Questions for Readers
In this way, the government’s decision regarding the release of stockpiled rice involves various factors. We must consider vested interests, the original purpose of stockpiled rice, and even political responsibility. Given this, it’s not easy to simply say that it should be “released.” So, what do you think about this issue? I would love to hear your opinions on the release of stockpiled rice and any personal experiences you may have. Feel free to share any thoughts you have, as I would like to incorporate them into future discussions.
