Japan Battles Rice Crisis with Heat-Resistant Varieties Amid Climate Challenges

Japan faces a rice shortage due to extreme weather impacting last year's crop, resulting in the lowest inventories in 25 years. To combat future supply shocks, the country is developing heat-resistant varieties. Supermarkets are struggling to stock rice, and the government is increasingly concerned about climate change's long-term effects on this staple food.

Japan is grappling with a significant rice shortage after extreme weather devastated last year's crop. The country is now banking on new heat-resistant rice varieties to mitigate future supply issues, as official data shows the lowest rice inventories in 25 years.

Last summer's high temperatures and drought conditions reduced rice yields in crucial growing regions, also diminishing the quality of grains. This decline has led to higher prices and supermarket shortages, with some retailers imposing purchase limits on customers.

The Saitama prefecture, one of Japan's hottest areas, is spearheading efforts to develop resilient rice varieties. Farmers like 73-year-old Yoshitaka Funakawa are involved in trials of a heat-resistant strain called emihokoro. With Japan experiencing its warmest July on record in 2024, the stakes are high as climate change continues to threaten rice production.

(With inputs from agencies.)