Japan's agriculture minister has urged shoppers to refrain from panic buying of rice as supplies will recover soon with this year's harvest. That comes as consumers have reported having trouble finding rice in stores amid a shortage.

Sakamoto Tetsushi told reporters on Tuesday, "The rice crop is growing steadily and farmers in some regions could harvest about one week earlier than usual. The shortages will be resolved gradually."

Sakamoto also called on consumers to buy only as much as they need.

The minister cited several reasons for the absence of rice at some supermarkets and retailers.

He said that stocks are running low before new harvests fully enter circulation. Recent earthquakes and typhoons have also prompted some people to stock up.

The minister expressed a cautious stance toward releasing rice the country stores for emergencies. Sakamoto said that that could affect the supply-demand balance and prices, on the commercial market.