Western Japan torrential rain disaster in 2018 and citrus cultivation in Ehime prefecture

Landslides and flooding caused by the western Japan torrential rains in July 2018 inflicted heavy damage on citrus cultivation in Ehime prefecture. The damage included not only the loss of citrus trees and soil, but also damage to the agricultural infrastructure such as the roads between fields, rail carriers, and irrigation systems. Three years have passed since the disaster. Restoration work for small- to middle-sized landslides has been progressing, and new tree plantings have been started. However, after planting, it takes 5 years before harvesting can start, and 10 years before production can return to pre-disaster levels. Restoration work has not yet begun for large -sized landslides, but will be completed about 10 years later. Although it is difficult to secure an agricultural income during this period, a young farmers group has stared nursing trees for the future completion of the restoration work.