Japan Bets on Heat-Resistant Rice as Hot Summers Hurt Harvest

Climate change is prompting Japan to develop new rice varieties that can withstand rising temperatures.

Extreme heat is increasingly putting at risk Japan's staple food source. In 2020, the country experienced its highest-ever temperature of 41.1 degrees Celsius (106 degrees Fahrenheit), which damaged rice crops across the country.

In response, the Japanese government is investing in research to develop new rice varieties that can tolerate higher temperatures. The National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) is leading the effort, and has already developed several promising new varieties.

New rice varieties could help Japan adapt to climate change.

The new rice varieties are designed to withstand temperatures up to 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit), which is several degrees higher than the current average temperature during the rice growing season in Japan.

If successful, the new rice varieties could help Japan adapt to climate change and ensure a stable food supply in the future.

Benefits of heat-resistant rice:

• Higher yields in hot weather
• Reduced risk of crop failure
• Increased food security

Challenges to developing heat-resistant rice.

Developing heat-resistant rice is a complex process. Researchers must carefully select and breed different rice varieties to create new varieties that are both heat-tolerant and high-yielding.

The process can take many years, and there is no guarantee of success. However, the potential benefits of heat-resistant rice are significant, and researchers are optimistic that they will be able to develop new varieties that can help Japan adapt to climate change.

Conclusion

Climate change is a serious threat to food security around the world. Japan is taking steps to adapt to climate change by developing new rice varieties that can withstand rising temperatures.

If successful, the new rice varieties could help Japan ensure a stable food supply in the future.