The proportion of “first-class” rice harvested this year has reached its lowest level in 16 years. This is caused by damage caused by stink bugs and high temperature damage caused by intense heat.

Rice is graded into four categories based on color, shape, etc., and the rice with the highest appearance rating is classified as “first grade rice” and has a higher purchase price.

According to the rice inspection results announced today by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the national average rate of “first-class rice” for rice produced in 2024 as of the end of August was 63.7%, 5.2 points lower than last year.

We analyze that this is due to the occurrence of “colored grains,” in which the surface of the grains becomes colored due to the stink bug’s suction, and “white immature grains,” in which the rice turns white and cloudy when exposed to high temperatures.

As of the end of August, this was the lowest level in 16 years since 60.5% of the rice produced in 2008. However, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has stated that the growing conditions in the main producing areas such as the Tohoku region are good, and as the harvest progresses, the ratio of “first-class rice” will increase in the future. This means that it is expected to rise.