Abstract
The latest trends in paddy field management in Japan show several distinctive features in terms of the total area of rice cultivation, the area of cultivated land under management, and the size of borrowed and leased land. According to statistics from 2022, the number of farmers with a total rice cultivation area of 100.0 ha or more reached a maximum of 7.38 ka. This figure indicates that the area cultivated by individual farmers is increasing. The increase in cultivated land area reflects farmers’ tendency to pursue more efficient agricultural management. Another important factor is the management of borrowed and leased land, which regulates the use and cultivation of agricultural land. Paddy field management is changing due to technological advances and economic factors, and efforts are needed to achieve both agricultural sustainability and improved productivity. It is expected that paddy field management patterns will continue to diversify and evolve in response to changes in regional conditions and policies.
Total area cultivated with rice
Recent characteristics of rice paddy farming management in Japan become apparent through data on the total area of rice cultivation. Compared to the peak in 2019, the percentage of farms with 100.0 hectares or more of paddy fields has decreased to 96.3% in 2022. This indicates that large-scale farm land ownership and management are becoming more diverse. There are multiple factors behind the decline in the area of land area devoted to rice cultivation among farmers. The first is to improve yields per area through more efficient agricultural production and technological innovation. This makes it possible to achieve the same profits on smaller areas, and is changing farmers’ management strategies. Another factor is the decline in ownership and management of large-scale rice paddies due to the division of farmland into separate inheritances and the decline of agriculture in urban areas. In terms of policy, efforts are being made to appropriately manage and reorganize agricultural land from the perspective of sustainable agricultural management and food security. These trends are providing an opportunity to explore different agricultural production models for each region for the future of Japanese agriculture. In the future, with further promotion of technological innovation and sustainable management, it is expected that paddy field management patterns will continue to change.
The maximum is 7.67ka[2019] of Paddy field more than 100.0ha, and the current value is about 96.3%
Cultivated land area
The latest trends in cultivated land area in Japanese rice paddy farming are moving toward diversification and efficiency. According to statistics from 2022, the maximum cultivated land area managed by farmers with 100.0 hectares or more of paddy fields is 14.9 ka, the average is 4.25 ka, and the total reaches 38.2 ka overall. This indicates that agricultural management is becoming increasingly large-scale. Large-scale farms in particular tend to expand the area of cultivated land they manage in order to carry out efficient production management. Technological advances are improving yields per area, so there is a drive to maximise economic benefits by having larger areas. On the other hand, in some regions, the amount of arable land is limited, and there are some small-scale farms that produce high-quality agricultural products. In addition, with regard to the management and operation of agricultural land, the land ownership structure is changing due to land division through inheritance and the progress of urbanization. This has made the effective use and sustainable management of farmland a challenge. The government is supporting land use optimization and agricultural management to ensure agricultural sustainability and food security. In the future, technological innovation and the promotion of sustainable agricultural management will progress further, and agricultural models that balance efficient resource use with environmental protection will be required. Flexible management strategies tailored to the characteristics and needs of each region will be the key to success, and it is expected that these will contribute to the development of agriculture in Japan.
The maximum is the latest one, 14.9ka of Paddy field more than 100.0ha
Borrowed land
The recent trend in Japan regarding rented land for rice paddy farming has been dominated by large-scale farms. According to statistics from 2022, farmers with more than 100.0 hectares of paddy land own 13.7 ka of leased land, the largest amount overall. This data reflects a trend for large agricultural operations to invest capital to increase productivity and profitability. Increasing borrowed land is an important aspect of investment and risk management in agricultural operations. We borrow funds for a variety of purposes, including updating agricultural machinery and facilities, improving production cost efficiency, and introducing new technologies. Particularly recently, there appears to be an increase in the use of rented land as a risk aversion measure in response to climate change and market changes. On the other hand, managing and repaying borrowed land is also a major financial issue for farmers. Considering the long-term sustainability of agricultural management, appropriate financial planning and effective management strategies are required. In order to support the stable development of agriculture, governments and financial institutions provide support measures for the use and operation of borrowed land. In the future, technological innovation and the promotion of sustainable agriculture will progress, and the efficiency of agricultural management and the reduction of environmental impact will become even more important. It is expected that the management of leased land and optimization of capital utilization will contribute to strengthening the competitiveness of Japan’s agriculture and improving food security.
The maximum is 13.7ka[2021] of Paddy field more than 100.0ha, and the current value is about 94.5%
Land leased
A characteristic of leased land in Japan’s rice paddy farming operations, based on data from 2019, is that it tends to be primarily used by medium-sized farms. The maximum leased land area is 88.6a, including 5.0 to 10.0 paddy fields, which is the maximum area overall. Leases of this size provide a vital resource for small landowners and operators to support efficient agricultural production. The use of leased land reflects different local conditions and needs. In urban areas, land leasing relationships between landowners and farmers are active, contributing to the expansion of urban agriculture. It also plays a role in diversifying agricultural management and bridging resource disparities between regions. The management of leased land and contract terms are required to aim at stable agricultural production and land conservation. Governments and local governments support the development of local agriculture by promoting the appropriate use and management of leased land. In addition, support measures are provided to users of the leased land, such as the dissemination of agricultural techniques and the promotion of sustainable agricultural management. In the future, proper management and use of leased land will become even more important from the perspective of local communities and environmental protection. To promote sustainable agriculture and ensure food security, effective utilization of leased land and efficient land use have become a focus of agricultural policy in Japan.
The maximum is the latest one, 88.6a of Paddy field 5.0-10.0
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