Abstract
Looking at the latest trends in Japanese agriculture, particularly with regard to revenue and support for rice cultivation, data from 2022 shows that the maximum gross agricultural revenue from rice paddies of 20.0 hectares or more is reported to be 42.2 million yen. This figure reflects the trend over the past few years and shows that rice cultivation remains the dominant form of agriculture in Japan. In Japan, income from rice farming depends heavily on factors such as the area of paddy fields, local climatic conditions, and advances in agricultural technology. In addition, receipt of mutual aid and subsidies under agricultural policies is also an important factor in agricultural profits. These interventions provide the foundation for farmers to manage risks and adopt sustainable production practices. Mutual aid and subsidies play a particularly large role in rice cultivation, which is susceptible to the effects of natural disasters and climate change, and contribute to ensuring stable agricultural income. The increasing trends in maximum paddy field area and gross agricultural revenue can be seen as the result of technological innovation and efficient agricultural management, and efforts towards the development of sustainable agriculture will continue to be required.
Gross agricultural revenue
Looking at data on gross agricultural revenue in Japan from 2006 to 2022, trends in revenue from rice farming are particularly noteworthy. In 2019, the highest amount of 50 million yen was recorded for rice cultivation areas of 20.0 hectares or more, which was the peak. However, the area under cultivation has now decreased to 84.4% of its peak. This trend is due to several factors. First, the overall agricultural labor shortage and aging population are making it difficult to manage large-scale rice paddies. Additionally, population migration to urban areas and agricultural inefficiencies are also contributing to the reduction in rice cultivation area. Furthermore, climate change and frequent natural disasters are affecting crop yields and quality, bringing great uncertainty to agricultural gross revenues. On the other hand, agricultural policy reforms and technological innovations are promoting more efficient agricultural production. The introduction of agricultural machinery and the adoption of unmanned technology have contributed to improved productivity, but at the same time, they have also led to rising costs. Looking ahead, promoting sustainable agriculture is essential. There is a need to digitalize agriculture, promote smart farms, and improve measures to secure agricultural labor force. We also need to focus on adapting to climate change and conserving natural resources. This will enable Japanese agriculture to secure stable profits into the future and aim for sustainable development.
The maximum is 50Myen[2019] of Rice cultivation 20.0ha or more, and the current value is about 84.4%
Receipt of mutual aid, subsidies, etc
When examining receipts of mutual aid, subsidies, etc. in Japanese agriculture based on the latest data from 2022, farmers with rice cultivation areas of 20.0 hectares or more are particularly noteworthy. In this group, the maximum overall amount received was 9.38 million yen, with the average being 4.82 million yen, totalling 18.2 million yen. As has been the trend to date, the amount of mutual aid and subsidies received has been strongly influenced by agricultural management conditions, regional characteristics, weather conditions, etc. Larger farms and growers of specialty crops tend to receive the highest subsidies. Subsidies have become an important support tool for farmers to protect them from production risks and stabilize their management. And with natural disasters and climate change becoming more prevalent, these grants also help with repairs and rebuilding. However, the complicated procedures for applying for and managing subsidies are an issue, and farmers are calling for efforts to improve this. While the national and local governments are making efforts to allocate subsidies effectively and ensure transparency, even greater importance is being placed on their effective implementation. Looking to the future, it will be necessary to establish a more fair and efficient subsidy system. It is expected that the use of subsidies will play an important role in supporting technological innovation and the promotion of sustainable agriculture. Further improvement of these support measures is essential to promote the stabilization and growth of agricultural management.
The maximum is 9.38Myen[2019] of Rice cultivation 20.0ha or more, and the current value is about 94.7%
Crop income
When examining crop revenue in Japanese agriculture based on the latest data from 2022, farmers with rice cultivation areas of 20.0 hectares or more are particularly noteworthy. In this group, the maximum crop income was 37.6 million yen, the highest ever. Historically, crop income has been heavily influenced by factors such as the size of the cultivated area, efforts to improve productivity, and fluctuations in market prices. In particular, large-scale farms and those that use technologically advanced production management are able to achieve high incomes. In addition, income from rice farming is easily affected by weather conditions and natural disasters, so managing these risks is an important factor in stabilizing income. Agricultural policies also have a significant impact, with subsidies and market support measures contributing to incomes. These supports provide farmers with the support they need to maintain production while remaining market competitive. In recent years, with the advancement of digitalization in agriculture and the introduction of smart farms, there are hopes for improved productivity. This has led to widespread efforts to address labor shortages and rising labor costs and improve profitability. Promoting sustainable agriculture is essential for the future. Technological innovation and policy reform are needed to ensure stable crop income while addressing challenges such as climate change and resource depletion. It is hoped that these efforts will continue with the aim of developing agriculture and revitalizing the local economy.
The maximum is 37.6Myen[2019] of Rice cultivation 20.0ha or more, and the current value is about 84.8%
Inland and water rice
Based on the latest data on wetland rice, according to statistics from 2021, the income that farmers with a rice cultivation area of 20.0 hectares or more receive from wetland rice is noteworthy. The overall maximum income was 35.8 million yen, and the average income was 18.7 million yen, totalling 37.5 million yen. Upland rice is cultivated in many parts of Japan, and is particularly important in areas with large areas of paddy fields. This crop requires particular care compared to other rice crops, with water management and fertilizer application being key factors. Through these management practices, farmers strive to maximise crop quality and yields and secure income. Income from upland and wetland rice is also greatly affected by fluctuations in weather conditions and market prices. In particular, with the effects of climate change becoming a concern, farmers are trying to reduce production risks by taking appropriate measures. Additionally, subsidies and agricultural insurance also play an important role as a means of stabilizing income. In recent years, with the advancement of digitalization and the introduction of cutting-edge technology in agriculture, the cultivation management of wetland rice is becoming more efficient. This has resulted in increased productivity and a more efficient use of the workforce. Looking to the future, further development of sustainable rice paddy management and production techniques is required. Particularly important are water quality management, maintaining soil health, and the transfer of skills and education to farmers. It is expected that these efforts will contribute to the development of Japan’s agriculture, including upland and wetland rice, and to ensuring stable incomes.
The maximum is 35.8Myen[2019] of Rice cultivation 20.0ha or more, and the current value is about 84.2%
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