Japan’s Strategic Shift to Heat-Resistant Rice Varieties Amidst Climate Change

Japan’s Strategic Shift to Heat-Resistant Rice Varieties Amidst Climate Change

Sub : Sci 

Sec: Biotech

Japan is facing a significant rice shortage due to extreme weather conditions, leading to concerns about future food security. The nation is now turning to heat-resistant rice varieties to mitigate the impact of climate change on its staple crop.

Severe Weather Effects on Rice Yields
In 2023, Japan experienced its warmest July on record, with extreme heat and dry conditions. These factors severely impacted rice yields in major growing regions, resulting in the lowest rice inventories in 25 years. The extreme weather not only reduced the quantity of rice produced but also affected the quality of the grains.

Efforts to Develop Heat-Resistant Rice Varieties
Saitama, a prefecture north of Tokyo and one of Japan’s hottest regions, is at the forefront of developing heat-resistant rice. The local government has initiated several projects to create rice varieties that can withstand higher temperatures.

‘Emihokoro’ Rice
Among the new developments is a heat-resistant rice variety named ‘Emihokoro,’ meaning ‘beaming smile.’ This variety is currently being tested in 31 fields across Saitama, with the aim of preventing future rice shortages.

Emihokoro is specifically developed to withstand high temperatures and dry conditions resulting from climate change, making it a heat-resistant variety.

The variety is being tested in Saitama Prefecture, one of the hottest regions in Japan. It is part of a trial program aimed at assessing its performance under extreme weather conditions.

Researchers at the Saitama Agricultural Technology Research Centre are leading the development. They are cross-pollinating seeds from different regions of Japan to enhance the variety’s resilience to heat.

The variety is designed to minimize the appearance of cloudy, white flecks on rice grains, which is a common issue in rice affected by high temperatures.

Saitama Prefecture

Saitama Prefecture is located north of Tokyo in the Kantō region of Japan. It is part of the Greater Tokyo Area, making it a significant hub within the country’s most populous region.

Saitama experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. It is known for being one of the hottest regions in Japan, with particularly high temperatures during the summer months.

The prefecture plays an important role in Japan’s agriculture, with a focus on rice production. However, due to its high temperatures, it is a critical area for testing and developing heat-resistant crops like the Emihokoro rice variety.

Saitama is a major economic center, contributing to various industries including manufacturing, services, and agriculture. Its proximity to Tokyo enhances its role as a key part of the national economy.

The prefecture includes several large cities, including Saitama City, which serves as the prefectural capital.

RICE

Geographical Range: Rice is cultivated across India from 8° to 35°N latitude, from sea level up to 3,000 meters.

Climatic Requirements: Rice thrives in hot and humid climates with high humidity, prolonged sunshine, and a reliable water supply.

Temperature Range: The ideal temperature range for rice throughout its lifecycle is 21°C to 37°C, with a maximum tolerance of 40°C to 42°C.

Soil Types: Rice is mainly cultivated in two types of soils—uplands and lowlands.

Upland Cultivation: Methods include broadcasting seeds, sowing behind the plough, or drilling.

Lowland Cultivation: Involves transplanting in puddled fields or broadcasting sprouted seeds in puddled fields.

Global and Domestic Production

Global Position: India is the second-largest rice producer globally, after China, and holds a 40% share in global rice exports.

Basmati Rice: India is the leading exporter of Basmati rice, with major production in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttarakhand, and Western Uttar Pradesh.

Top Producing States: West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Bihar contribute around 72% of India’s total rice-growing area and over 75% of the country’s rice production.

Highest Production: West Bengal ranks first in rice production, followed by Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Telangana, Odisha.