Abstract
The current state of rice cultivation in Japan can be gained from data on the total cultivated area of paddy fields and the area of cultivated land under management. According to the latest data for 2022, the maximum area of agricultural land with a total paddy cultivation area of 50.0 hectares or more is reported to be 26,900 hectares. This figure reflects the diversity of farm size and suggests the presence of particularly large farming operations. In addition, when viewed from the perspective of the total area cultivated with rice, it is clear that rice, one of Japan’s major agricultural crops, remains important. The area of cultivated land under management is the foundation of agricultural management and plays a role in supporting stable agricultural production. It is also suggested that rented land accounts for a certain share of agricultural operations. As these data show, Japanese agriculture is diverse, with a variety of types of operations ranging from large-scale to small-scale. However, rice cultivation, primarily paddy rice, remains an important pillar of agriculture.
Total area cultivated with rice
When examining the area of rice cultivation in Japan based on data from 2019 to 2022, some interesting trends can be seen. In 2019, the total area under paddy cultivation, which was over 50.0 hectares, reached a peak of 3.59 thousand hectares, but this has declined in the following years and is currently at 75% of its peak level. This trend reflects structural changes in agriculture, regional economic conditions, and the influence of agricultural policies. Several factors contribute to the decline in rice area. For example, this is being affected by the reduction in farmland due to urbanization and the decline in the agricultural population due to aging. Another factor is that agricultural modernization and technological innovation have improved productivity, making it possible to produce more rice on the same amount of land. In addition, changes in agricultural policies and market demands are also influencing agricultural management, with economic profitability and environmental considerations impacting on agricultural management. On the other hand, there is also a tendency for small-scale farms with a total paddy cultivation area of less than 50.0 hectares and agriculture specializing in local specialty products to become more active. The production and sales channels of high-added-value agricultural products that utilize local resources are expanding, contributing to the revitalization of the local economy. In general, the current state of rice cultivation in Japan is diverse, with various types of farming ranging from large-scale farming to small-scale, specialized farming. It will continue to be important to review agricultural policies and promote technological innovation, and there is a need to develop sustainable agriculture.
The maximum is 3.59ka[2019] of Rice 50.0ha or more, and the current value is about 75%
Total area cultivated with rice
According to the latest data for 2022, the total area of rice cultivation in Japan is 111,000 hectares. Of this, large-scale farmland with a total cultivated area of 50.0 hectares or more accounts for 35,900 hectares, and the average area of paddy fields is 10,100 hectares. These figures reveal the characteristics and trends of rice cultivation in Japan. The total area cultivated with rice is 111,000 hectares, which indicates that rice is Japan’s major crop and an important pillar of agriculture. In particular, the presence of large-scale farmland is noticeable, but in recent years there has been an increase in small-scale agriculture specializing in local specialty products and high-added-value crops. Rice cultivation requires paddy fields, and while the area of these fields is increasing, work efficiency is improving through agricultural mechanization and the introduction of IT technology. This is an attempt to ensure productivity amid a labor shortage. Additionally, the effects of climate change and natural disasters are major factors affecting rice cultivation, making sustainable water management and disaster prevention measures important issues for agricultural policy. Each region requires the selection of cultivation techniques and varieties appropriate for that region, and research, development, and technological innovation are being actively pursued. In general, rice cultivation in Japan is changing through the composition of total cultivated area of rice, agricultural diversification, and technological innovation. Looking to the future, various initiatives are being explored to achieve both sustainable agricultural production and local economic development.
The maximum is 3.59ka[2019] of Rice 50.0ha or more, and the current value is about 75%
Cultivated land area
As of 2022, the maximum cultivated land area in Japanese agriculture is 69,000 hectares. In particular, large-scale farmland with a total cultivated area of 50.0 hectares or more is the most widespread. These figures provide important insights into the structure of agricultural management and regional characteristics. The increase in large-scale farmland indicates that management is becoming more intensive in some regions. This is due to improved management efficiency, including technological innovation and addressing labor shortages. In addition, large-scale farmland makes it easier to enjoy economic economies of scale, which contributes to reducing production costs and strengthening market competitiveness. On the other hand, as farmland becomes increasingly consolidated, small-scale farms and those specializing in the cultivation of specialty products are also thriving. There is a demand for the production of local, high-quality agricultural products, which also contributes to the revitalization of the local economy. Changes in agricultural policies and fluctuations in market demand are also cited as important factors behind the increase in the area of cultivated land. National and local governments are implementing support measures to promote sustainable agricultural production and reduce regional disparities, and are exploring policies to support diversity in agricultural management. In summary, agricultural management in Japan is becoming more diverse and larger in scale, leading to the development of agriculture with different characteristics in each region. Looking to the future, technological innovation and the promotion of sustainable agriculture will be key, and there is a demand for the production of high-quality agricultural products that utilize local resources.
The maximum is 6.9ka[2019] of Rice 50.0ha or more, and the current value is about 92.3%
Borrowed land
The characteristics of leased land in Japanese agriculture can be summarized as follows based on 2022 data. The maximum total leased land area is 50,500 hectares, the average is 11,100 hectares, and the total is 122,000 hectares. Increasing leased land is an important means of raising funds and improving productivity in agricultural management. In particular, as large-scale farmland and management consolidation progresses, rented land is contributing to increased production and more efficient management. By using rented land in addition to the land that farmers own, they can produce over a larger area, which has the effect of strengthening their market competitiveness. The use of borrowed land varies from region to region, and is considered particularly important as a strategy to close the gap in agricultural productivity between regions. In addition, when managing and conserving leased land, efforts are required that take into account environmental protection and sustainable agricultural management. On the other hand, as the amount of leased land increases, sustainable land management, such as rationalizing land use and reusing abandoned farmland, has become an issue. In terms of agricultural policy, policies are being implemented to promote the use of leased land and support the effective use of land, with the aim of developing agriculture and revitalizing the local economy. In summary, leased land is an important resource for Japanese agriculture, and while it contributes to the expansion and efficiency of operations, it also requires proper management and environmental considerations. Going forward, review of agricultural policies and technological innovation will remain important, and the promotion of sustainable agriculture is a challenge that is being addressed.
The maximum is the latest one, 5.05ka of Rice 50.0ha or more
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