Abstract
The current situation regarding feed crops in Japanese agriculture shows different characteristics in terms of pasture, fields, and land use. The total area is 711kha, the largest in the country, and a variety of crops are cultivated there, including cereals and pulses. On the other hand, the area of rice fields is 77 kha, and paddy rice cultivation is the mainstream. The farm covers an area of 634 kha and produces vegetables, fruit, flowers, etc. As has tended to date, the total area of rice fields is the largest and a wide variety of crops are produced there, while the area of rice fields is relatively small and paddy rice cultivation is the mainstream. In addition, the fields are mainly used for producing vegetables and fruit, but their area tends to be somewhat smaller than the total area of farmland. Although no specific data on pasture was provided, it is believed that the cultivation of pasture necessary for the livestock industry also plays an important role in feed crop production in Japan.
Pasture total (main data).
The area of pasture cultivation in Japanese agriculture has undergone changes between 1960 and 2022. At its peak in 1991, the nationwide area reached 852kha, but has since shown a downward trend, currently standing at 83.5% of its peak level. This trend is thought to be influenced by structural changes in agriculture and changes in demand due to economic development. The decline in the area cultivated with pasture may be related to the downsizing of livestock industries and changes in demand for feed, but other factors include the diversification of agricultural land use and urbanization. A reduction in the area of pasture cultivation could have an impact on securing feed and the stability of management in the livestock industry, so measures through the introduction of agricultural policies and technologies are needed.
The maximum is 852kha[1991] of Japan, and the current value is about 83.5%
Total pasture (by prefecture).
According to the latest data (2022) on the area of land cultivated with feed crops in Japanese agriculture, Hokkaido recorded the largest area by prefecture at 525kha, making it the largest overall. This data suggests that Hokkaido’s vast farmland and climatic conditions are suitable for growing feed crops. While feed crop cultivation is thriving mainly in Hokkaido, other prefectures also cultivate it according to demand. Fodder crops are important as livestock feed, and the area under cultivation is determined by demand. The area cultivated with forage crops may change over time due to technological advances in agriculture and changes in demand. In addition, it is believed that the different climatic conditions and soil characteristics of each region also affect the cultivation area. In the future, appropriate measures will be required to deal with fluctuations in cultivation area and production volume of feed crops in order to respond to demand and environmental changes.
The maximum is 525kha of Hokkaido, the average is 37.8kha, and the total is 642kha
Pasture fields.
The area of land used for cultivating pasture in Japanese agriculture has undergone changes between 1961 and 2022. At its peak in 1982, the nationwide area reached 99.5 kha, but has since shown a downward trend, currently standing at 77.4% of its peak level. This trend is thought to be influenced by structural changes in agriculture and changes in demand due to economic development. The decline in the area cultivated with pasture may be related to the downsizing of livestock industries and changes in demand for feed, but other factors include the diversification of agricultural land use and urbanization. It is believed that the area of pasture cultivation is changing in response to changes in the business environment of the livestock industry and fluctuations in market needs. Given this trend, in the future, appropriate measures will be required to control the area and quality of pasture cultivation in order to ensure efficient livestock farming.
The maximum is 99.5kha[1982] of Japan, and the current value is about 77.4%
A field of grass.
The most recent data (1961) on the cultivated area of fields for feed crops in Japanese agriculture shows a maximum of 760 kha nationwide by prefecture, which is the highest value currently recorded. This data suggests that cultivation of fodder crops on upland fields is widespread across the country. The increase in the area of land under cultivation for feed crops is in response to demand from the livestock industry, reflecting the importance of securing livestock feed. In addition, because the data is based on 1961, it is possible that the area of land cultivated with feed crops has changed since then due to changes in agricultural structure and advances in technology. Given this trend, managing the cultivation area of feed crops and improving their quality is important for the stable development of the livestock industry, and will also lead to the promotion of sustainable agriculture. In the future, appropriate measures will be required regarding the area of land devoted to feed crops, taking into account changes in demand and environmental influences.
The maximum is 760kha[1994] of Japan, and the current value is about 83.5%
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