Grocery bill hikes projected as staple crop faces devastating losses – here’s what you need to know
As climate change impacts agriculture globally, Japan is facing a rice shortage due to extreme heat, which has reduced crop quality. In 2023, only 59.6% of the rice harvest received the highest grade, contributing to price hikes and panic buying. Japan’s reliance on food imports has grown, with the country spending over $67 billion annually, and this trend is expected to continue.
When people reflect on the changing climate, they often consider rising sea levels or unusual shifts in seasons and weather patterns. But these phenomena are just the beginning. As extreme weather ravages crops and disrupts global food production, experts predict food prices will soar. The situation in Japan may be one indicator of what’s to come worldwide.
What’s happening?
Japan is not exempt from the effects of rising global temperatures. The country is known for rice-based dishes like sushi and rice cakes, but it’s now facing a rice shortage.
At first glance, Japan’s rice harvest numbers might appear stable. But the quality of the crop has plummeted, reflecting broader challenges outlined in The Pinnacle Gazette in terms of climate-driven agricultural struggles and resulting in heightened food import costs.
The Diplomat explained that, due to extreme heat, only 59.6% of Japan’s 2023 rice harvest received the highest quality grade. This represents a 16-point drop from the previous year, which reportedly contributed to price increases and panic buying in 2024.
Poor harvests caused by adverse weather conditions have forced the country to rely more heavily on food imports, per the Gazette. For three consecutive years, Japan has spent over 10 trillion yen (about $67 billion) total food imports, and the massive price tag is expected to increase over the next few years.
Last year alone, the nation saw a 5% increase in agriculture imports compared to 2023, reaching 9.54 trillion yen (about $64 billion) by the end of 2024, the Gazette reported. Although a less sharp increase, seafood imports have risen by 2% compared to the previous year.
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Source : The Cool Down
