Tsumura and Kumamoto Prefecture signed a comprehensive partnership agreement aimed at revitalizing local communities through medicinal crop production. The agreement seeks to develop the crude drug cultivation base nationwide, including the Aso region, and establish a sustainable supply system.
Tsumura signed a “Comprehensive Partnership Agreement on Regional Revitalization Through Medicinal Crop Production” with Kumamoto Prefecture. Asagiri, in Kuma District, is one of Japan’s largest production areas for mishimasaiko. Under the agreement, the parties aim to develop regional agriculture and establish a production base for crude drugs that support Kampo medicine.
The company is also working to produce sansho, which is included in Daikenchuto, one of its top-selling prescription Kampo formulations. Going forward, it plans to strengthen cooperation concerning mishimasaiko, sansho and bokusoku. By promoting crude drug cultivation in Japan, it aims to secure stable procurement from domestic production areas and create local employment.
Given that approximately 90% of its crude drug materials are currently procured from China, Tsumura said it plans to balance regional revitalization with environmental conservation by expanding domestic production. It will promote cultivation suited to local climates and conditions in Kumamoto, Hokkaido, Iwate, Gunma, Wakayama and Kochi.