For the first time in history, Japan decided to release 210,000 tons of rice from strategic reserves – announced the head of the Ministry of Agriculture Taku Eto. This is the result of a sudden increase in prices of this grain, caused, among others, by low harvest in 2023.
ETO expressed the hope that the release of reserves “would restore the situation to the market to normality.” Rice supplies will be handed over to wholesalers in mid -March after the tender and it is expected that the goods will go to store shelves at the turn of March and April.
– The government will quickly implement procedures ensuring the release of rice reserves. This will facilitate distribution and contribute to the stability of the situation of Japanese households – assured the minister.
Rice prices have increased rapidly
Rice retail prices in Japan They reached a record level at the end of January and were almost 80 percent. higher compared to the same period last year. In February, the average price of a five -kilogram bag was 3688 yen (approx. PLN 96) compared to 2023 yen (approx. PLN 53) last year.
“The ministry suspects that wholesalers and farmers store rice in anticipation of further price increases,” explains Kyodo.
While rice harvest in 2024 increased by 180 thousand. TON compared to the previous year (up to 6.79 million tons), the amount purchased by the main distributors at the end of December fell by 210 thousand. tone.
According to the AFP agency, low harvest caused in hot summer in 2023 could also contribute.
Reserves in case of crisis
Japan maintains wrestling of 1 million tonnes of rice in the event of a crisis situation.
Until now, rice reserves could be released only in the event of a serious disaster of cropping or disaster, but the last change of regulations introduced such a possibility in the event of stagnation in its distribution.
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