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Japan's Focus on Heat-Resistant Rice

Japan's Focus on Heat-Resistant Rice

14-09-2024
  1. Japan is currently facing a significant rice shortage due to extreme weather conditions. This has resulted in private rice stocks dropping to their lowest levels since 1999, and a projected 20% decrease in rice production by 2100.
  2. In response, Japan is focusing on developing heat-resistant rice varieties.

Japan's Focus on Heat-Resistant Rice

Impact of Extreme Weather
  1. Last summer's high temperatures and dry conditions led to lower rice yields and reduced grain quality.
  2. The current rice inventories (storage) are the lowest in 25 years.
  3. High temperatures damage starch accumulation in rice grains, leading to opaque (non-transparent) and mottled grains (covered with patches of different colours) that are less desirable for consumers.
  1. This lowers their market value.
  1. The country is now prioritizing the development of resilient rice varieties to secure its food supply in the face of climate change challenges.

Saitama Leads the Way in Heat-Resistant Rice Development

  1. Saitama Prefecture (local government area in Japan) is known for its hot summers. It is at the forefront of developing heat-resistant rice.
  2. The local government is funding research projects to create rice varieties that can withstand (resist) high temperatures.
  3. One such variety is 'Emihokoro,' meaning 'beaming smile.' This rice is being tested in various fields across Saitama to assess its performance under extreme weather conditions.
  1. Heat Tolerance: 'Emihokoro' is specifically designed to withstand high temperatures and dry conditions.
  2. Quality Improvement: The variety aims to minimize the appearance of cloudy, white flecks on rice grains, a common issue in heat-affected rice.
  3. Research and Development: Scientists at the Saitama Agricultural Technology Research Centre are cross-pollinating seeds to enhance the variety's heat resilience.
  1. 'Emihokoro' is currently being tested in 31 fields across Saitama Prefecture.

Cross-Pollination Techniques

  1. Cross-pollination involves transferring pollen from one plant's anther to another plant's stigma within the same species.
  2. This method produces seeds that combine traits from both parent plants, resulting in offspring that are often more vigorous and disease-resistant.
  3. Varieties like ‘Ambrosia’ corn have been bred through cross-pollination to enhance resistance to common fungal diseases, ensuring healthier crops.
  4. The 'Golden Rice' project aimed to improve yield and nutritional content, particularly Vitamin A, through cross-pollination of different rice strains.

Saitama Prefecture: A Hotbed for Rice Research

  1. Saitama Prefecture is located north of Tokyo and experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers. Due to its high temperatures, it is an ideal location for testing heat-resistant crops.
  2. Saitama plays a significant role in Japan's agriculture, focusing on rice production. The prefecture is also a major economic hub, contributing to various industries.
Rice varieties with GI tag in India

India is home to several rice varieties that have been awarded Geographical Indication (GI) tags, which help to recognize and protect the unique qualities and origins of these products. Here are eight notable GI-tagged rice varieties in India:

  1. Navara Rice: Native to Kerala, this rice has been cultivated for over 2000 years and is known for its health benefits, particularly in Ayurvedic medicine. It was awarded the GI tag in 2007.
  2. Gobindobhog Rice: A small, aromatic rice from West Bengal, Gobindobhog has a sweet flavour and was awarded the GI tag in 2017. It is often used in traditional Bengali dishes.
  3. Joha Rice: This aromatic rice variety from Assam is known for its unique flavour and fragrance. It is often used in festive dishes and has been recognized for its quality.
  4. Ajara Ghansal Rice: Grown in Maharashtra, this rice is known for its fragrance and delicate texture. It received the GI tag in 2016.
  5. Chak-Hao Rice: Also known as Manipuri Black Rice, this variety is celebrated for its nutritional value and unique colour. It was awarded the GI tag in 2020.
  6. Kala Namak Rice: Cultivated in Uttar Pradesh, this rice has a distinctive aroma and is often referred to as "Buddha Rice" due to its historical significance. It received the GI tag in 2013.
  7. Basmati Rice: Known for its long grains and aromatic qualities, Basmati rice is primarily grown in northern India. It is one of the most famous rice varieties globally and has been awarded GI status, ensuring its unique identity.
  8. Tulaipanji Rice: Another aromatic rice from West Bengal, Tulaipanji is known for its non-sticky texture and was recognized for its unique characteristics.

These GI-tagged rice varieties not only represent the agricultural heritage of India but also contribute to the local economies by promoting unique regional products
Rice Cultivation in India
  1. Rice is grown throughout India, spanning from the southernmost regions to the northern Himalayas. It thrives in areas with latitudes ranging from 8° to 35°N and elevations up to 3,000 meters.
  2. Climatic Requirements: Rice is a crop that prefers hot and humid climates. It requires rich sunshine, high humidity levels, and a consistent water supply.
  3. Temperature Range: For optimal growth, rice needs temperatures between 21°C and 37°C. While it can tolerate temperatures as high as 40°C to 42°C, excessive heat can negatively impact its development.
  4. Soil Types: Rice cultivation is primarily practiced in two types of soils: upland and lowland.
  1. Upland Cultivation: In upland areas, rice farmers use various sowing methods, including broadcasting seeds, sowing behind the plow, or drilling.
  2. Lowland Cultivation: Lowland rice cultivation involves transplanting seedlings into flooded fields or broadcasting sprouted seeds directly into puddled fields.
Rice Production in India
  1. India is a major rice producer on a global scale, ranking 2nd globally (China is 1st).
  2. India continued to be the world’s top rice exporter in 2023 (according to APEDA) despite banning shipments of white rice and imposing a 20 per cent duty on parboiled rice.
  3. Thailand emerged as the 2nd-largest exporter, Vietnam 3rd and Pakistan the 4th-biggest shipper.

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