Environment
Cultivation and Conservation
We work hand in hand with specialist farmers in Nishiwaki, Hyogo, to grow premium Yamada Nishiki rice while minimizing environmental impact.
Through these endeavors, we have significantly reduced methane emissions generated during rice cultivation by extending the mid-season drainage period and introducing other innovative measures.
Reducing Methane in 2024
In cultivating Yamada Nishiki rice for “Nend,” we have focused on reducing emissions of methane - a potent greenhouse gas - at our fields in Nishiwaki.Our efforts include extending the mid-season drainage period and promoting faster decomposition of rice straw.
In 2024, we additionally tested organic fertilizers - known to improve core whiteness and grain uniformity - to determine whether they could be used while still suppressing methane generation.We found that extending drainage in conjunction with the use of materials containing Bacillus bacteria, enabled us to reduce methane emissions approximately 90% over 2022,similar to the 2023 levels.
Reducing Methane in 2024
At our fields in Nishiwaki, we conduct a variety of trials to determine whether organic farming is truly the best approach for environmentally friendly rice cultivation. Applying organic fertilizers too early in the growing season tends to increase methane emissions, so we are working on ways to be as organic as possible while still keeping methane levels under control.
Life in Balance
To help maintain the ecosystem, we also focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing the use of pesticides. We believe that growing rice should coexist with the natural life around us, but environmental changes alter the behavior of this life,so we continue seeking ways to adapt to meet this challenge.
