TOKYO, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Demand in Japan for rice to be harvested in 2024 for consumption as a staple food is estimated to hit a record low of 6.71 million tons, dropping for the 11th consecutive year, the agriculture ministry said Thursday.
The estimated demand figure for the period from July 2024 to June 2025 was calculated based on demographic data and per-capita rice consumption, the ministry said, adding that annual demand has been falling by some 100,000 tons in recent years.
Direct rice consumption per person during the one-year period is projected to shrink by 600 grams year on year to 54.2 kg due to the country's declining population and a change in dietary habits, according to the estimate. ■
