In the wake of the Noto Peninsula earthquake, a crisis loomed over the region’s potato farmers. The earthquake damaged fields, leaving farmers unable to plant 5 tons of seed potatoes. Without intervention, these valuable seed potatoes would have been discarded. However, JA Kaga, an agricultural cooperative in the southern part of Ishikawa Prefecture, stepped in to save the crop, taking on the responsibility of planting and harvesting the potatoes. This story highlights the vital role of agricultural cooperatives in mitigating the impact of natural disasters on local agriculture.
The Impact of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake on Agriculture
The Noto Peninsula, known for its fertile red soil, is home to a thriving potato industry. Potatoes grown in areas like Suzu, Nanao, and Anamizu are particularly prized for their high starch content, making them ideal for dishes requiring soft, fluffy textures. These potatoes, branded as “Noto Red Soil Potatoes,” have traditionally been shipped to markets in the Kansai region.
In 2022, the region harvested over 2,420 tons of potatoes across 190 hectares of farmland, focusing primarily on varieties such as Baronet and Kita Akari. However, the earthquake earlier this year disrupted farming activities, damaging fields and leaving many farmers unable to plant seed potatoes that were already purchased and stored. Due to the extended storage period, the seed potatoes were at risk of deterioration, and 5 tons were on the verge of being discarded.
JA Kaga’s Intervention
Recognizing the potential loss, JA Kaga purchased the seed potatoes from affected farmers and took over the responsibility of growing them. By utilizing their own resources and network, the cooperative successfully planted the potatoes in their fields, ensuring that the crop did not go to waste. The potatoes were harvested before the rainy season and some were delivered to the earthquake-affected regions as a form of support.
In addition, JA Kaga organized a limited sale of 100 kilograms of the harvested potatoes at their direct sales outlet, JA Agri, in Komatsu City. Priced at 400 yen per kilogram, these potatoes not only supported disaster recovery efforts but also ensured that consumers had access to fresh, locally grown produce.
Noto Potatoes: A Regional Specialty
The potatoes grown in Noto’s red soil have long been appreciated for their taste and texture, thanks to their high starch content. The unique qualities of the Noto Red Soil Potatoes have made them a sought-after product in markets beyond Ishikawa, particularly in the Kansai region. Typically, farmers plant the seed potatoes in March to harvest them before the rainy season. This year, however, the earthquake disrupted the usual planting schedule, leading to the delay in cultivation.
Fortunately, JA Kaga’s timely intervention prevented the waste of a large quantity of seed potatoes. Their efforts ensured that this regional specialty continues to reach consumers, even in the face of natural disasters.
JA Kaga’s initiative to save the potato crop highlights the critical role that agricultural cooperatives can play in disaster recovery. By purchasing and cultivating the seed potatoes, they not only rescued a valuable crop but also supported local farmers and contributed to food security in the region. This case underscores the importance of resilience and community-driven solutions in agriculture, particularly in areas prone to natural disasters.
