As new rice hits store shelves, even with rising prices, the demand remains strong, highlighting the preference for taste over cost. In Fukui City, local brand rice “Hanaechizen” is now selling for 4,730 yen for 5 kilograms, higher than previous years. While some customers express concern about the cost, many opt for the new harvest, believing it tastes better.
In contrast, the average rice price recently announced is 3,579 yen per 5 kilograms, showing a seven-week high due to the introduction of more expensive new harvest stocks. Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi commented on the steady high prices, noting they would closely monitor the situation.
At a rice store in Yokohama, new rice varieties are prominently displayed, with some premium brands already sold out despite their high prices. The store reports that new rice is currently outselling last year’s stocks, partly because the price difference is minimal.
Returning to a trusted rice farming family in Niigata Prefecture, farmer Kazuo Hirota is optimistic about a bountiful year. Their expected increase in yields aligns with a national rise in pre-negotiated prices for rice farmers, a welcome change.
However, not all regions share this optimism. Saitama farmer Hajime Saito faced severe challenges this year due to a historic water shortage at Naruko Dam, which led to critical water rationing for farmlands. Some crops were only salvaged by emergency water releases, though issues like reduced grain fill remain.
Saito believes traditional farming methods may no longer suffice and advocates for reevaluating practices in light of changing climate conditions, a view that resonates with many affected farmers.
by MagazineKey4532