2026 Rice Harvest Forecast Slightly Higher in Five Prefectures

Aug 31, 2026 | News On Japan

TOKYO - Japan's 2026 rice harvest is expected to show mixed results across the country, with yields slightly above the previous year's level in five prefectures, roughly unchanged in 20 and slightly lower in 21, according to an Agriculture Ministry forecast released on August 31.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced its outlook for the 2026 crop based on conditions as of August 15.

Projected yields per 10 ares are expected to be slightly higher than the previous year in five prefectures, about the same in 20 prefectures and slightly lower in 21 prefectures.

Rice-growing regions have generally received sufficient sunshine since the planting season, but some areas recorded fewer hours of sunlight between June and July than in the previous year, affecting the yield outlook.

The ministry said it will use the forecast in deciding the timing and volume of rice to be bought back for government reserves.

Source: テレ東BIZ

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