Record low snowfall continues Niigata rice planting uneasy voice January 29 6:15
In Niigata, where rice is recorded in record lows, farmers are worried that enough water will be available for spring rice planting.
In Niigata Prefecture, snowfall is significantly less than in normal years, which is affecting the management of ski resorts and snow removal companies.
In this situation, concerns have been growing among rice farmers who use snowmelt in mountainous areas during rice planting in early spring.
Mr. Jun Sakamoto, who produces "Koshihikari from Uonuma" in a 15-hectare rice field in Uonuma City, says that there is little snow in the surrounding mountains and he is worried about having enough snow water.
Sakamoto says, "I usually see snow-white mountains, but now I can see the skin of the mountains. I'm worried that there will be enough water for spring rice planting."