TOKYO, Sept 21 (NNN-NHK) – Demand for rice in Japan is estimated to rise slightly to 7.11 million tonnes in the year, through June, 2026, according to the agriculture ministry.
The 2025 staple rice production is expected to see a significant increase to 7.45 million tonnes, boosted by expanded planting, in response to shortages, an estimate from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries showed.
Meanwhile, the private sector’s rice inventory is forecast to reach nearly 2.3 million tonnes by the end of June next year, an unusually high level that could approach the record stockpile that was built up in 2015.
For the key one-year estimate, the ministry’s food council subgroup, which used to make staple rice demand projections, in view of falling population and increased bread consumption, took into account for the first time, increasing demand from foreign tourists and households.– NNN-NHK
