Japan's rice wholesalers are taking drastic action in light of soaring prices. They are striking deals for this year's harvest, with farmers who are yet to even plant the seeds.



The operator of a paddy north of Tokyo says many buyers are in haggle mode for rice that won't be ready until half a year later.



He says orders are picking up far earlier than usual, including a 40-ton deal with a chain of barbecue restaurants.



Prices started rising last summer due to a shortage. And in the space of a year, they have almost doubled.



The government will start auctioning national stockpiles on Monday as a countermeasure. A survey shows producers and wholesalers believe prices will soon settle.