Aging Farmers in Japan Struggle with Extreme Temperatures Impacting Rice Harvests

In the remote village of Kamimomi, located in Japan’s western Okayama Prefecture, a small group of rice farmers has started their latest harvest two weeks earlier than usual, contending with sweltering heat. Known as “the Land of Sunshine,” this region is increasingly affected by climate change, which poses significant challenges to the rice crop that is a staple of Japan’s diet.

Rice farmer Joji Terasaka expressed his concerns, noting that last year’s exceptional heat wave severely diminished the quality of their harvest. “The water was taken out of the rice, which became small and thin,” he lamented, fearing similar outcomes this year amid equally high temperatures.

The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that July 2024 was the hottest on record for the country, with temperatures exceeding the average by 2.16°C (3.9°F). This trend reflects a broader global increase in temperature, which has risen by 1.2°C (2.2°F) since preindustrial times. Scientists warn that to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change, global warming must be limited to 1.5°C (2.7°F).

Last year’s heat wave led to a nationwide poor rice harvest, resulting in a private-sector rice inventory plummeting to its lowest level since 1999. Consequently, this year has seen widespread rice shortages, leaving supermarket shelves empty and retailers imposing purchase limits on customers.

Yuji Masutomi, a researcher at the National Institute for Environmental Studies, highlighted the significant impact of rising temperatures on rice cultivation. He stated that when temperatures exceed 27°C, the starch buildup in rice grains diminishes, leading to a chalky appearance and reduced market value. Reports indicate that at least 20% of rice farms have experienced quality declines due to heat, affecting both the appearance and taste of the grains.

Compounding these issues is the aging demographic of Japan’s agricultural workforce, with the average age of farmers nearing 69 years, making them particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Toshimi Kaiami, who leads a community initiative in Kamimomi, noted the struggle to find successors in agriculture, stating, “We are heading toward extinction.”

To adapt to the changing climate, the Japanese government is promoting heat-resistant rice varieties, such as Sai no Kizuna, developed by a research center in Saitama Prefecture. These varieties are designed to withstand higher temperatures and extreme weather conditions, maintaining quality under stress.

Naoto Ohoka, who manages rice breeding at the Agricultural Technology Research Center, emphasized the potential of Sai no Kizuna, saying, “Even in extremely hot conditions, it maintained a certain level of quality, and its other characteristic is that it is very delicious.”

Despite the promising developments, farmers face challenges in adopting these new strains. The cultivation of heat-resistant varieties takes significant time, with the development process lasting up to 10 years, and even after market approval, persuading farmers to transition remains a hurdle. Currently, only about 15% of Japanese paddy fields have adopted these more resilient strains.

Key Takeaways:

• Aging rice farmers in Japan are experiencing significant challenges due to extreme heat and climate change.
• The country faces a rice shortage exacerbated by poor harvests in previous years and rising temperatures.
• The government is promoting the adoption of heat-resistant rice varieties to mitigate the impact of climate change, but adoption rates remain low.

In conclusion, the future of rice farming in Japan hinges on addressing both the immediate impacts of climate change and the long-term sustainability of its agricultural workforce.