 Potato fields |
Many agricultural products are produced in Higashihiroshima City. Potatoes from Kidani Akasaki, Akitsu Cho, are especially famous. They are grown in fields near the sea and shipped throughout Hiroshima Prefecture. They are known as delicious potatoes across Japan.
【Map of Akasaki, Akitsu Cho 】 |
| Where is Akasaki in Akitsu Cho?Let’s check the map of Higashihiroshima City. |  |
 Potato sale |
| Let’s find out why potatoes are grown in Akasaki, Akitsu Cho. |  |
Points to note
What is the climate in Akasaki like compared to Saijo Cho?
What is the land near the sea like?
What are the secrets of red soil?
What do the farmers do?
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Let’s visit potato fields.
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| Let’s visit potato fields and interview farmers. | |
This is Mr. Onari’s potato field. We interviewed Mr. Onari, a potato farmer.
 【 Comment from Mr. Onari 】 |
| Akasaki’s red soil is rich in iron and well-suited to potatoes. Potato fields are located on sloped land facing the Seto Island Sea and have good drainage. The warm climate and salty breeze from the sea are said to make delicious potatoes. |
 | Trivia 【Akitsu Cho, oysters, and potatoes】 |  |
| When it rains a lot in Akitsu Cho, the red soil bank flows out. Red soil flows into the sea where oysters are raised, and the sea turns red. Isn’t this a problem for potato farmers and oyster farmers? Actually, red soil is rich in nutrients, so oyster farmers are very happy that their oysters will be delicious. And potato farmers, instead of being worried of losing precious red soil, also are happy that new red soil will come up from below and make their potatoes delicious. Oysters in the sea and potatoes in the fields are connected by the red soil of Akitsu Cho. | ||
Mr. Onari pays attention to a lot of things to make delicious potatoes.
| Let’s find out what Mr. Onari pays attention to. |  |
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 | ① Seeding The soil is cultivated and fertilized before seeding. Preparing the soil is important. |
 | ② Intertillage, ridging Intertillage and ridging are done soon after seeding to keep good drainage and make the crops absorb a lot of nutrients from the soil. A lot of attention is paid to keep potatoes safe from insects and diseases. The soil is fertilized again. |
 | ③ Harvest Potatoes are harvested carefully to avoid damaging them. |
 | ④ Packing Potatoes are sorted by size and weight and packed into boxes. |
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| Collection point |
 Potatoes being boxed |
Potatoes are sorted by size and packed in boxes.
 Boxed potatoes |
Boxed potatoes are transported by truck and eventually reach your home.
| Online sales | |
 | Potatoes are also sold on the Internet. They are very popular for their taste and beauty. |
| This is how delicious potatoes are delivered. |  |