Abstract
Paddy field management in Japan is centered on the production of rice, wheat, and beans. According to the latest data from 2022, the maximum rice production in paddy fields of 100.0 hectares or more is confirmed to be 372 t. Many agricultural workers are involved in the production of these crops, making them an important pillar of Japanese agriculture. Rice is particularly important and is widely cultivated from Hokkaido, which is a grain-producing region, to Kyushu. Additionally, wheat and bean production has different characteristics depending on the region, and they also occupy an important position in food culture. In recent years, despite issues such as an aging workforce and population outflow to urban areas, technological innovation and agricultural policy support have led to improved productivity. In order to continue to manage rice paddy fields sustainably, it is important to balance environmental protection with the economic viability of agriculture.
Rice production volume
Rice production in Japan’s paddy field management peaked at 390 tons in 2019 and has since been on a downward trend. As of 2022, it will be 372 tons, which is 95.4% of the peak. This trend is due to several factors. First, an aging agricultural population and labor shortages are affecting productivity. In addition, the outflow of population to urban areas has led to a decrease in the number of people working in agriculture, which has placed constraints on cultivation area and production volume. Furthermore, climate change is affecting crop yields, with changes in weather conditions from year to year affecting crop growth. On the other hand, efforts are being made to improve productivity through technological innovation and agricultural policy support. For example, advanced agricultural machinery is being introduced and efficient water management systems are being developed. One of the challenges facing the future is the promotion of sustainable agriculture. Soil conservation, appropriate use of chemical fertilizers, and reducing environmental impact are key themes. In rice production, it is necessary to ensure both quality and mass production, and technological innovation and sustainable management strategies to achieve this will become increasingly important in the future.
The maximum is 390t[2019] of Paddy field more than 100.0ha, and the current value is about 95.4%
Wheat production volume
In 2022, the maximum wheat and barley production volume in Japan’s paddy field management for paddy fields of 100.0 hectares or more will be 158 t, the average will be 31.2 t, and the total will be 281 t. There are several characteristics and trends that can be seen from this data. First, wheat and barley production is relatively small-scale, with specialization occurring among individual farms and regions. Wheat has been an especially important crop in Japan since ancient times, and different varieties of wheat have been cultivated in different regions. However, in recent years, production has been declining. This is due to changing consumption patterns, an increase in imports, and an ageing and labour shortage in agriculture. In particular, as the population continues to move to urban areas, the area of land cultivated with wheat and the number of producers are decreasing. On the other hand, technological innovation and agricultural policy support are also being introduced into wheat production, and agricultural machinery and efficient cultivation methods are being introduced. This has led to improved productivity and stabilized quality, but the self-sufficiency rate for wheat and wheat products is still declining. This includes substituting other grains and ingredients. One of the challenges for the future is promoting sustainable agriculture. It is necessary to maintain soil health and reduce the environmental impact. Additionally, supporting farmers, nurturing young farmers, and coordinating with the market are key. In wheat and barley production, too, strategies are needed to stabilize the local economy and food self-sufficiency while maintaining a balance between supply and demand.
The maximum is the latest one, 158t of Paddy field more than 100.0ha
Bean production
In 2022, the maximum production of beans in Japan’s paddy field management was 66.3 t in paddy fields of 100.0 hectares or more. The types of beans grown vary depending on the region, with the main crops being soybeans, mung beans, and adzuki beans. Beans are deeply rooted in Japanese food culture, playing an important role as ingredients in tofu, miso, soy sauce, and other products. As for the production volume of beans, there has been a slight downward trend in recent years. This is due to declining agricultural productivity caused by an aging population and labor shortages, as well as fluctuations in production costs and market prices amid diversifying demand for pulses. Additionally, the effects of climate change and advances in agricultural technology are also affecting production. On the other hand, due to the high nutritional value of beans and the importance of food safety, some demand has remained stable, and high added value, especially regional specialties and organic production, is becoming more prevalent. This has led some producers to focus on improving quality and growing indigenous varieties. A future challenge will be the promotion of sustainable agricultural production. Soil health, water quality management and proper use of pesticides are important. In addition, there is a need to supply safe, high-quality products in response to increasing health awareness among consumers. Along with supportive agricultural policies, technological innovation and farmer education and training will be key to ensuring the sustainability of pulse production.
The maximum is 66.3t[2021] of Paddy field more than 100.0ha, and the current value is about 87.5%
Number of people working in agriculture
The number of people working in agricultural paddy field management in Japan, peaking at 31.3 people for paddy fields of 100.0 hectares or more in 2021, has since been on a downward trend. As of 2022, the number is approximately 24, which is 76.7% of the peak. The main factors behind this trend are the aging agricultural workforce and labor shortages. Working in large rice paddies in particular requires physical strength, so there has been a noticeable decline in the number of young people working in agriculture. In addition, population outflow to urban areas is accelerating the population decline in rural areas, which in turn is leading to a decrease in the number of people working in agriculture. Although there has been some progress in technological innovation and agricultural mechanization, the labor shortage is still not fully compensated for. This calls for the introduction of more efficient agricultural production systems. On the other hand, as agriculture becomes more diversified and produces more added value, some farmers are exploring new business models through specialization and the use of local resources. As a result, agricultural sustainability and economic development are being achieved in some regions, despite a decline in the number of people working in agriculture. Future challenges include encouraging young people to enter agriculture and ensuring the sustainability of agricultural management in an aging society. In addition, agricultural policies need to be reviewed and educational and technical support strengthened. This will require us to strengthen the foundations for maintaining prosperous rural communities while ensuring a stable rate of food self-sufficiency.
The maximum is 31.3Persons[2021] of Paddy field more than 100.0ha, and the current value is about 76.7%
Comments