Crossword Genius

Cost dropping right down, lend yen for Asian growth area (4,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rice paddy

'asian growth area' is the definition.
(area for growing rice)

'cost dropping right down lend yen' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'right' could be 'r' (common abbreviation) and 'r' is found in the answer.
'down' could be 'd' and 'd' is located in the answer.
'yen' could be 'y' and 'y' is found in the answer.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).

'for' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for rice paddy that I've seen before include "Watery field where grass is grown for its food grains" , "Flooded field for growing cereal crop" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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