Japan's annual white paper on agriculture says efforts are needed to achieve a stable supply of farm products amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The report was approved by Japan's Cabinet on Friday. It notes that food prices are rising around the globe.

Wheat prices hit a record high in March as the war in Ukraine continued. Poor harvests for major exporters, the US and Canada, were another factor.

The white paper says this has pushed up the cost of flour and other products in Japan.

The document points out that Japan is highly reliant on certain countries for imports of key agricultural items like wheat, corn and beef.
The white paper proposes that efforts be made to diversify supply sources while maintaining good relations with current exporters. It also says efforts are needed to increase domestic agricultural production.