Abstract
We will provide an overview of rice and bean production in Japan based on the latest data from 2022. In rice production, farmers with a total paddy cultivation area of 50.0 hectares or more are achieving a maximum yield of 138 tons per hectare. This reflects the advanced technology and management of Japan’s rice paddy agriculture. Rice cultivation in Japan is particularly prevalent in mountainous and plain areas, where appropriate seasonal management and the development of irrigation systems are essential. In terms of pulse production, soybeans and other types of beans are widely cultivated, with soybeans being an important crop in Japan. Farmers maximise yields through proper use of fertilisers and pesticides, as well as diversified cultivation techniques. This not only helps us meet domestic demand but also keeps us competitive in the export market. Japanese agriculture has developed through a fusion of traditional techniques and innovation, with cultivation techniques evolving to suit the different climate and soil conditions of each region. In addition, sustainable agriculture is being promoted, and environmental considerations are becoming more and more important. Technological innovation and improved sustainability will continue to be required, and by continuing to evolve, Japanese agriculture is expected to maintain stable production while remaining competitive both domestically and internationally.
Rice production volume
We will outline the characteristics and trends of rice production in Japan based on data from 2019 to 2022. In 2019, production reached a peak of 189 tons in paddy fields with a total planting area of 50.0 hectares or more, but production has been declining year by year since then. As of 2022, production on this area is at 72.6% of its peak. Several factors are at work behind this decline. First of all, there is the decline and aging of the agricultural workforce. With fewer young people entering agriculture, labour shortages are affecting production. Furthermore, while more advanced agricultural production and mechanization have made it possible to work more efficiently, management and technical challenges still remain, especially in large-scale rice paddies. Additionally, the impacts of climate change and natural disasters are also major factors. Heavy rains and damage caused by abnormal weather such as typhoons have a major impact on rice cultivation, with poor harvest conditions and delays in planting having a direct impact on production volume. To mitigate these risks, efforts are being made to improve irrigation facilities and promote the use of highly disaster-resistant crop varieties. Japan’s rice production is supported by a combination of traditional farming culture and the latest technology, but further improvements are needed from the perspectives of sustainability and food security. The government and agricultural organizations are working to stabilize and improve future production volumes through technological innovation, labor force recruitment, and environmental measures.
The maximum is 189t[2019] of Rice 50.0ha or more, and the current value is about 72.6%
Wheat production volume
We summarize the characteristics and trends of wheat and barley production in Japan based on data from 2022. The maximum wheat and barley production by farms with a total paddy cultivation area of 50.0 ha or more was 88.7 tons, the average production was 17.5 tons, and the overall total production was 157 tons. The first characteristic of wheat and wheat production in Japan is its regional nature. The cool climate and vast farmland of Hokkaido and the Tohoku region are ideal for growing wheat and barley. In these regions, grains are grown as the main crop, and stable production of wheat in particular is required due to high demand for food. On the other hand, wheat production has been declining in recent years. There are several factors at play here: For example, while advances in agriculture are enabling more efficient planting and management, the agricultural workforce is also shrinking and aging. There are few young people entering agriculture, making securing labor a challenge. Furthermore, climate change is also affecting wheat production. Global warming and fluctuations in precipitation due to abnormal weather conditions can have a direct impact on yield and quality, and can cause poor crop conditions and the outbreak of pests and diseases. For this reason, agricultural policies are being implemented to include measures against weather risks and the development of insurance systems. In general, wheat production in Japan is shaped by regional characteristics, climatic conditions, and advances in agricultural technology, but further efforts are needed in terms of sustainability and production stabilization. In the future of agriculture, it is important to tackle issues from both technological innovation and environmental measures, and it is hoped that this will ensure the stability of wheat and wheat production.
The maximum is the latest one, 88.7t of Rice 50.0ha or more
Bean production
We will explain the characteristics and trends of pulse production (mainly soybeans and other pulses) in Japan based on data from 2022. The highest production volume was 25.2 tons, recorded by a farm with a total paddy cultivation area of 50.0 hectares or more, and this figure remains the current maximum value. Bean production occupies an important position in Japanese agriculture. In particular, soybeans are one of the staple foods for the Japanese and are used for a wide range of purposes, including as cooking oil, seasonings, and tofu. Therefore, there is a need for a stable domestic supply. Japan’s climate and regional characteristics are key characteristics of bean production. Soybean cultivation is thriving in cooler regions such as Hokkaido and the Tohoku region, and high-quality soybeans are produced there. On the other hand, other beans are grown in warmer climates such as western Japan. Recent trends include the advancement of agricultural sophistication and technological innovation. For example, there is increasing adoption of disease-resistant and high-yielding crop varieties, as well as the use of efficient agricultural machinery. This is helping to improve productivity, but securing agricultural labor remains a challenge. In addition, pulse production requires consideration of the environment, and organic cultivation and sustainable agriculture are being promoted. This helps to preserve soil and water quality and ensures improved quality and safety of agricultural products. Overall, pulse production is an important part of Japan’s agriculture, contributing to improving food self-sufficiency and food security. In the future, further technological development, securing the workforce, and efforts to protect the environment will be important. This is expected to lead to a sustained increase in pulse production and quality, helping to maintain competitiveness both at home and abroad.
The maximum is the latest one, 25.2t of Rice 50.0ha or more
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