The record-breaking heatwave in Japan has begun to affect the farming industry.
In Iwata City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Katsunori Hirano grows melons.
This summer, he has to keep his greenhouses air-conditioned around the clock. High temperatures weaken the plant roots and hinder the growth of meshes on the surfaces of melons.
Hirano waters the plants more often and covers each fruit with a shade to reflect sunlight. He says the heat could damage the taste and appearance of his product but he will try to do all he can to grow good melons.
Farmers growing grapes in Takahata Town, Yamagata Prefecture, are also facing serious problems from the extreme heatwave. Grapes have withered away presumably because the trees could not absorb water fast enough.
A local farmer said that grape berries are of the worst quality he has ever known and some are unsellable.
The farmer said he will shift to other varieties with larger grapes.
Scarce rainfall is also causing concern. The water level of a dam for irrigation in Kashiwazaki City, Niigata Prefecture, fell to zero on Wednesday after days without rainfall.
Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp
