Proposing Package-Based Advanced Agricultural Systems for Paddy Rice Optimum and Easy Use of Advanced Technologies

Sumitomo Corporation (Head Office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer: Masayuki Hyodo) will start to propose package-based advanced agricultural systems for the production of paddy rice, with the aim of solving social issues in the agricultural sector and enhancing the international competitiveness of Japan’s agriculture.

In Japan, more than 60% of all farmers are classed as elderly—aged 65 or older—and the number of farmers is decreasing every year due to a shortage of successors. As more and more farmers abandon farming, the consolidation of farm operations as a result of the remaining farmers taking over cultivated land that others have exited and the enlargement of farming by newcomers (including incorporated producers) are on the rise. Although varied attempts have been made to lower hurdles against new entry into farming, concerns remain that long-term farming expertise will no longer be passed down in Japan.

As an approach to solve these social issues, we believe it important to support the spread of “smart agriculture” using advanced agricultural technologies such as drones and IoT. For the purpose of ensuring their effective spread, we propose such technologies in the form of package-based advanced agricultural systems by organically combining them for optimum and easy use in accordance with practical circumstances in the field, rather than selling each technology independently.

More specifically, the main technologies in our proposal consist of drones for application of crop protection products, plant growth monitoring and sowing as well as a water level sensor and communication system for remote water level management. We are furthermore targeting inclusion in the package of a data management system (including agricultural accounting) for the efficient operation of agricultural machinery and visualization of agricultural management.

Overseas demand for branded Japanese agricultural produce is likely to steadily expand in line with the recent global boom in Japanese food.

To further expand the supply of Japanese agricultural produce abroad, greater international competitiveness is needed. We expect that supporting the spread of smart agriculture for paddy rice, which is one of Japan’s key crops, will help not only enhance price competitiveness through the use of leading-edge technologies but also promote traceability for secure, safe and high-quality products. Moreover, we believe that such support will lead to improving the international competitiveness of Japan’s agriculture.

Paddy rice varieties in Japan have been improved over a long period of time and a wealth of expertise has been accumulated at the regional level. Japan can now offer rice varieties with superior flavor that, along with other aspects of Japanese culture, are appreciated around the globe.

Guided by the concept of “Changing and Creating Agriculture,” Sumitomo Corporation will contribute to the preservation and passing down of expertise in rice cultivation for future generations by packaging leading-edge technologies in optimum ways to realize easy-to-use systems.

Reference
■Flow chart: Proposed package-based advanced agricultural systems for paddy rice production by Sumitomo Corporation

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■Sumitomo Corporation’s  Material Issues
Sumitomo Corporation Group positions “Six Material Issues to Achieve Sustainable Growth with Society” as an important factor in developing business strategies and in the decision-making process for individual businesses. Going forward, we will pursue sustainable growth by resolving these issues through our business activities. This project especially contributes to “Achieving Harmony with the Global Environment” , “Contributing to the Development of Local Communities and Industries” , “Establishing a Foundation for Comfortable and Enriching Lifestyles” and “Providing Diverse “Accessibility””.