The nationwide rice crop index stood at 103 as of September 15, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) announced on September 30.
Yields of rice produced in the current year are regarded as “slightly better” than an average crop index of 100 for the first time in three years.
Niigata prefecture hit the highest index of 108 among 47 prefectures in the country. As for a regional crop index, the Hokuriku region including Niigata prefecture, located in the northwestern part of the main island of Japan, recorded the highest index of 107, followed by 103 of the Hokkaido region and 102 of the Tohoku region.
Farmers could enjoy a bumper crop in most of major rice producing areas in the country. They have been blessed with good weather during months since their works of transplanting seedlings were completed this May, which made it possible for producers to have a good quantity of rice grains. Their paddy fields were not damaged by typhoons. And those grains have been favorably ripened.
Meanwhile, farmers in some prefectures made more efforts in growing non-rice crops in paddy fields and a nation program of reducing rice planting areas has been successfully implemented. The total production of rice in the current season is expected to be reduced to a certain extent.
Projected yield per hectare is 5,450 kg, 140 kg more than that in previous year. If the yield is obtained as projected, it will hit the record. At two prefectures of Niigata and Toyama in the Hokuriku region, the crop index exceeds 106 of “much better.” The region’s index has reached the level of 107 for the first time in 39 years since 1977.