田んぼに「地割れ」水不足が影響か･･･コメ農家「雨が降ってほしい」【新潟・十日町市】スーパーJにいがた7月9日OA

In 2026, high temperatures continued, accelerating rice growth. Meanwhile, in Tokamachi City, rice paddies were observed to be experiencing ground fissures due to insufficient snowmelt and rainwater. Kenichi Miyauchi of Hanamizu Agricultural Products, who cultivates Uonuma Koshihikari rice and other varieties on approximately 80 hectares of rice paddies, was troubled despite having finished planting and entering the mid-season drainage period. ■Kenichi Miyauchi, Hanamizu Agricultural Products "There's absolutely no water here. It's cracked. Water is flowing here, but it's practically non-existent, isn't it?" Ground fissures were occurring in some of the rice paddies where glutinous rice is cultivated. The cause is "water shortage." ■Kenichi Miyauchi, Hanamizu Agricultural Products "This year the snow ran out early, so we can hardly rely on snowmelt water. The only water we can rely on is the rain that falls on the mountains. If it doesn't rain now, we'll be in big trouble." They're flooding the rice paddies before cracks appear, but with so little snowmelt and rainwater, there's nothing they can do to mitigate the problem. Water will also be needed during the upcoming top dressing period... ■Kenichi Miyauchi, Hanamizu Agricultural Products "The weather forecast shows rain, but it disappears as soon as it gets close. It's really frustrating. We're just waiting for it to rain." --- In Niigata City, JA (Japan Agricultural Cooperatives) and prefectural officials gathered to discuss the rice growth situation and future responses. Due to the continued high temperatures in 2026, rice growth is accelerating, and with temperatures expected to remain high, the prefecture is urging proper top dressing. Furthermore, the growth status of 'Natsuhime,' an extra-early maturing variety resistant to heat and scheduled for sale from the fall of 2026, was also shared. ■Takeshi Hori, Senior Specialist, Management and Extension Division, Niigata Prefectural Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries "Due to the high temperatures since May, growth is progressing rapidly. There is a possibility of harvesting around the Obon festival, so early preparation for harvesting is necessary." Also, in the summer of 2025, record low rainfall caused drought damage. While the immediate risk of drought is considered low at present, the prefecture is calling for securing agricultural water as soon as possible. ■Takeshi Hori, Senior Specialist, Management and Extension Division, Niigata Prefectural Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries "I think it's important to always be prepared for high temperatures and drought. There is a possibility of water shortages in the future, so we want to call for the efficient use of precious water resources." Information as of July 9, 2026. #TokamachiCity #Farmers #WaterShortage #GroundFissures #Niigata #UXNiigataTV21