Rice grown in dry fields harvested in 1st year of test cultivation in Japan’s Niigata

TL;DR Niigata-based agricultural corporation Vege Abio, part of the NSG Group, is conducting a trial on culvating rice on dry field instead of rice paddy. Compared to conventional paddy rice cultivation, the direct seeding method eliminates steps like seedling preparation and transplanting. Water is only applied minimally when necessary, significantly reducing the time required for water management. As a result, the overall workload is estimated to be reduced by about 60%. On Oct. 2, the heat-resistant rice variety "Niji no Kirameki" was harvested with success..

The Japanese government is supporting the spread of dry-field direct seeding with subsidies, and the Niigata Prefectural Government also plans to collect data on yields to promote cultivation expansion. However, challenges remain, such as yield instability and the effort required for weed control.