A survey result shows that there are more than 1,300 cases of various kinds of damage due to devastated farmland in the nation in the past five years. Thus, it is concerned that functions of rural areas and agriculture will substantially decrease. Because various trial calculations were published, many surveys, including public opinion polls by the Prime Minister's Office, show that the Japanese people are interested in, have deepened their understanding on, and expect diversified functions of agriculture. In order to demonstrate these diversified functions, agricultural production in our country is indispensable. Domestic agricultural production is also the base of food security.
Food is the most important and indispensable substance for maintaining our lives and good health.
Each nation is responsible for and obligated to provide a stable supply of food for its people. I believe that it is essential to provide a certain level of supportive policies and take measures to set a proper national border on farm products in order to preserve agriculture in Japan. Thank you for your attention. Conservation Collapse of paddy field mechanism Earth and sand carried downstream due to collapse of ridge slopes and mudslide Occurrence of regional landslides Introduction of natural disasters Color Landslides due to increased infiltrating water accompanied by advanced destruction of plow sole.