Concern about Rice Harvest Raises Wholesale Prices in Japan

Concern about farm products is growing due to prolonged low temperatures and a shortage of sunshine since late June 2003, especially in northern Japan. This abnormal weather was predicted likely to continue.

A report on rice growth released at the end of July stated that rice was growing poorly and yields were expected to be poor this autumn in the Tohoku region, a major rice-producing area in northern Japan, and in the Kyushu region in southern Japan, known for its early rice crop. The prolonged chilly weather pushed up the market price of this year's early rice crops from Kyushu.

Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has set up a task force to guide responses to the low temperatures and lack of sunshine. Its aim is to take all possible preventive measures against damage to crop yields, and it provides technical guidance to farmers on water management, fertilization, and pest control.




Posted: 2003/09/27 11:51:50 AM
Japanese version