In the quaint village of Kamimomi nestled in Japan’s picturesque western Okayama prefecture, a group of tenacious rice farmers embarked on their annual harvest under scorching conditions, a fortnight earlier than usual. Despite being dubbed ‘the Land of Sunshine’ for its agreeable climate, the farmers toiling amidst verdant paddy fields and ancient terraces lament the adverse impacts of climate change on Japan’s staple food crop – rice.
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Rice Harvest Challenges:
- Last year’s unprecedented heatwave desiccated the rice, resulting in smaller and thinner grains, causing farmer Joji Terasaka considerable apprehension for this year’s harvest.
- With Japan seeing its hottest July on record, global temperatures soaring, and the urgent need to curb warming to 1.5ºC, the manifestations of climate change are undeniable.
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National Rice Woes:
- Following a dismal nationwide rice harvest last year, Japan grappled with a dearth of rice this summer, prompting supermarket shortages and purchase restrictions.
- Rising temperatures not only affect rice growth and yield but also compromise the grain quality by diminishing starch buildup, resulting in chalky grains and reduced value.
- Nearly one-fifth of rice farms reported quality declines due to escalating temperatures, with adverse impacts extending to taste as well.
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Perils of Age and Climate:
- As the average age of Japanese agricultural laborers hovers around 69, this aging demographic is particularly susceptible to heatstroke, magnifying the challenges faced by farmers in Kamimomi.
- A distressing absence of successors plagues the community, threatening its viability and propelling endeavors to revitalize abandoned fields to combat extinction.
- The arduous cultivation process spanning half a year, set against scorching weather conditions, underscores the formidable test faced by farmers like Mitsumasa Sugimoto, aged 77.
- Innovative Solutions:
- To mitigate climate change impact, the government advocates for the adoption of heat-resistant rice strains like Sai no Kizuna, engineered to withstand rising temperatures.
- Research institutions worldwide strive to develop resilient varieties of staple crops like rice, in addition to introducing drought and heat-resistant grains to ensure food security.
- Highlighting the success of Sai no Kizuna in maintaining quality under extreme conditions, researchers emphasize the urgency of introducing temperature-tolerant variants nationwide by the 2040s.
As Japan grapples with the existential threat posed by climate change to its agricultural heritage and food security, the resilience and innovation of its farmers and researchers remain crucial in safeguarding the sustainability of its age-old rice cultivation traditions. Embracing adaptable strains, fostering intergenerational knowledge transfer, and implementing sustainable farming practices are pivotal steps towards a more resilient future for Japan’s agricultural legacy.
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