Japan's homegrown rice method takes rootーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• Dry Direct Seeding: A rice farming method involving sowing seeds and fertilizer directly into dry soil, followed by flooding.
• Traditional Rice Farming: The conventional method of growing rice seedlings separately and then transplanting them into flooded paddies.
• Herbicide Reliance: Increased dependence on herbicides due to weed growth in dry direct seeding fields.
• Agricultural Workforce Decline: The shrinking number of people working in Japan’s agricultural sector.
• Production Efficiency: Improving the output of rice farming with reduced labor and costs.

The Challenges Facing Japanese Rice Farming

Japan’s traditional rice farming practices are intensely labor-intensive. This presents a significant problem given the declining number of farming households and a decreasing interest in agricultural work amongst the population. The industry is facing a critical need for solutions to maintain production levels with a shrinking workforce. This situation is driving the exploration and adoption of new farming methods.

Dry Direct Seeding: A Potential Solution

A new method, known as dry direct seeding, is being implemented as a potential solution to these challenges. This technique differs fundamentally from the traditional method. Instead of cultivating seedlings elsewhere and then transplanting them into flooded fields, dry direct seeding involves directly sowing rice seeds and fertilizer into dry soil. The field is subsequently flooded to initiate growth.

This method necessitates investment in specialized machinery, resulting in higher initial costs. However, it demonstrably reduces working hours by approximately one-third and lowers overall production costs by around 10%. A farmer interviewed expressed optimism, stating, “I think this will lighten the workload. I hope more young people will go into rice farming.”

Aih Prefecture’s Leading Role & Technological Development

Aih Prefecture has emerged as a leader in the adoption of dry direct seeding. The prefectural agricultural research center responded to requests from local farmers seeking ways to improve production efficiency. Over the past three decades, the center has developed and actively promoted this new method. Currently, Aih Prefecture utilizes more land for dry direct seeding than any other prefecture in Japan.

However, the shift to dry direct seeding introduces new challenges. Dry fields are more susceptible to weed growth, leading to increased reliance on herbicides. To address this, the agricultural research center is collaborating with farm equipment companies to develop a weeding machine capable of selectively removing weeds without harming the rice seedlings. They aim to have a working prototype within one year. A representative from the center emphasized the importance of consistent application, stating, “It’s important this method can be used consistently. We're developing technology in the hope of providing support.”

National Support and Industry Interest

The central government is also actively encouraging the adoption of direct seeding techniques. A conference organized by the agricultural ministry attracted industry professionals from across the country, all demonstrating significant interest in the advancements being made in Aih Prefecture. Participants expressed enthusiasm for the potential of the method. One attendee commented, “I was impressed to learn that we can grow rice in such a way.” Another stated, “Greater efficiency will be increasingly important in the future. I believe the technology we've developed will be useful.”

Future Outlook and Government Funding

Farmers across Japan are beginning to adapt dry direct seeding methods. The government plans to incorporate financial support for this transition into the fiscal 2026 budget. While unpredictable harvests and other inherent agricultural challenges remain, the combination of government funding and ongoing technological development suggests that this new method has the potential to significantly transform rice farming in Japan. The report concludes that with continued support, dry direct seeding could offer a viable path towards a more sustainable and efficient future for Japanese rice production.