The ratio of Koshihikari “1st grade rice” from Niigata Prefecture is the lowest level in the past 10 years, October 16 at 17:31
Niigata Prefecture has revealed that the percentage of “first-class rice” in Koshihikari is the lowest in the past 10 years, at 20% as of the end of last month. The prefecture decides to hurry to identify it because of the summer heat due to the Fern phenomenon.
This was reported at a study group on the quality of rice produced by Niigata Prefecture, meteorological observatory, and experts.
According to it, the ratio of “first-class rice” of Koshihikari from Koishino Niigata Prefecture is 20% as of the end of last month, which is almost the same level as 2010, which was the lowest in 2010, 20.3%. .
Rice grades are divided into four grades based on the appearance of shapes and gloss, and it is said that the taste does not affect the taste. However, the lower the grade, the lower the purchase price, so there is a concern that producers' income may decline. It is.
Rice quality is easily affected by high temperatures for a certain period after the ears of rice appear, and Niigata Prefecture recorded the highest temperature in the country in August during the same period due to the Fern phenomenon associated with the approach of Typhoon # 10. .
The prefecture urgently identifies the record heat as the cause of quality degradation, and decides to take measures during the next month.
Professor Nobuhiko Takahashi of Niigata University's Faculty of Agriculture said, “It is difficult to take countermeasures because of the weather conditions, but in the future I would like to consider which varieties and how many to plant.”