In the summer of 1976, an unusual cold weather front struck Japan’s Tohoku region and Hokkaido, making it a noteworthy year in the annals of farming. Come July, the low temperatures hindered the blossoming of rice plants in Nature Farming paddy fields, an unusual sight considering the season.
Simultaneously, the rice crops in the neighboring conventional fields, subject to chemical-based farming methods, presented a stark contrast as they displayed their blooming flowers. But the persistently cold weather meant these flowers closed without undergoing pollination, a crucial stage in the growth of healthy rice grains.
This disconcerting scenario led to worries among local farmers about the possibility of a successful harvest. These apprehensions lingered until the warmth returned in August.
The Resilience of Nature: An Unexpected Turnaround
With the advent of three consecutive sunny days in August, the rice plants in the Nature Farming fields bloomed in unison. The conventional rice crops, however, had already flowered and closed, thus eliminating any hopes of a harvest.
The rice plants that bloomed in the Nature Farming fields managed to pollinate during the warmer days, leading to a near-normal harvest. It seemed as if the plants in these fields had patiently waited, predicting that fine weather would eventually prevail, and then bloomed together. This occurrence showcased nature’s remarkable resilience and strength. (From Noriyoshi Amano’s “Life Learned from Nature”)
Embracing Nature Farming: A Sustainable Solution to Climate Change
This event is a testament to the resilience of rice cultivated through Nature Farming methods against unforeseen, extreme weather changes. In contrast, crops grown through conventional, chemical-dependent farming are less likely to adapt to such rapid and severe weather fluctuations.
This is far from a solitary observation. Throughout my life, I have witnessed many such instances that corroborate this. With the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, the probability of conventional farming failing to yield crops rises significantly. This scenario underscores the potential benefits of turning to Nature Farming methods as a means to contend with climate change’s impacts.
