TOKYO — Japanese restaurant operator Matsuya Foods Holdings has begun a pilot project to cultivate dry direct-seeded rice, a growing method that eliminates the need to flood paddies.
The company plans to use the rice at its Matsuya gyudon beef-bowl restaurants as early as next year and is considering growing its own rice. As extreme weather events such as droughts weigh on rice yields, Matsuya Foods aims to ensure stable supplies and quality, while halving procurement costs.
