Satoshi Kawahata Sales of domestically-produced fruits and vegetables through wholesale markets have both declined about 10 percent in the last eight years, The Japan Agricultural News learned by information disclosure request made to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The sales, especially of fruits, through wholesalers are continuing to drop in recent years. Experts point out that as demand for processed products is rising, more growing regions are dealing directly with processing firms. In order to revitalize wholesale markets, it is necessary for wholesalers to respond to new demands in addition to dealing fresh produce, they say. The ministry discloses the percentage of fruits and vegetables that are … Continue reading →

  Sugimoto Kogyo based in Komatsushima, Tokushima Prefecture, has developed the nation’s first snare trap for wild monkeys. The trap is designed to be hung vertically at a certain height above ground, and captures monkeys by tying up their arms by wires when they try to reach for food set inside. It will require less space than box traps, and is easy to install. A wire trap is placed on the rim of a transparent container with a diameter of about 25cm. If a monkey reaches for fruits set inside the container and tries to take them out, its arm will be trapped. The trap can be hung from pillars … Continue reading →