Because of the distant locality to the big markets in Japan and its limiting demand as well as other fruits in those days, culture of chestnut of Tanba-variety in Kumamoto Prefecture did not largely develop until 1960 despite that it was introduced early in Taishô era and adopted by upper class farmers in the beginning of Shôwa era.
But, with area of 3, 320ha under cultivation and yield of 3, 330ton in 1970, her chestnut production holds the third rank following that of Ibaraki and Ehime which formed special production district since prewar. About 70% of its total production was sold through the co-operative shipping, and most of them was sent to the Kansai Markets centering Ôsaka.
Such a great stride in her chestnut production had been resulted during the last decade between 1960 and 1970. Two are main reasons, one is the effect of the subsidy policy by prefectural government, and the other is the lowering of profitability in the forest land-use for fire-wood and chacoal since fuel evolution.
Thus, the chestnut growing areas were formed widely inland, avoiding coastal areas where citrus fruits brought gains more than chestnut culture. They measures 30% to 70% of all arable land and centered to diluvial land, hilly land and moutain slopes. Two types of farming system in chestnut culture are observed according to the author's survey. First type is in relation to upland fields offering favourable conditions for many crops, where chestnut culture may be stable only as a promoting crop for diversified farm managment. The second corresponds to mountenous districts restricting profitable crops, where it is considered as the most important cash crop in farming system.
