Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Accelerates Smart Agriculture Development with Certified Plans
Tokyo, Japan – July 31, 2025 – The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) announced today the certification of development and supply plans under the “Law for Promoting the Use of Smart Agriculture Technology for Increased Agricultural Productivity.” This significant step marks a crucial advancement in the government’s commitment to modernizing the agricultural sector through the strategic implementation of cutting-edge technologies.
The certified plans represent a concerted effort by various stakeholders, including private companies, research institutions, and agricultural cooperatives, to develop and deploy innovative smart agriculture solutions across Japan. These technologies are designed to address key challenges facing the sector, such as an aging workforce, labor shortages, and the need for enhanced efficiency and sustainability in food production.
The “Law for Promoting the Use of Smart Agriculture Technology for Increased Agricultural Productivity,” enacted to foster the widespread adoption of smart farming, provides a framework for supporting the research, development, and dissemination of these advanced technologies. The certification process signifies that the submitted plans meet the stringent criteria set forth by the Ministry, ensuring their potential to significantly contribute to the nation’s agricultural productivity and competitiveness.
While specific details of each certified plan are not yet publicly available, the initiative is understood to encompass a broad range of smart agriculture applications. These are likely to include:
- Automated Machinery and Robotics: The integration of autonomous tractors, drones for precision spraying and monitoring, and robotic harvesters to reduce manual labor and improve operational efficiency.
- Data-driven Farming Practices: The utilization of sensors, IoT devices, and artificial intelligence to collect and analyze data on soil conditions, weather patterns, crop health, and pest infestation. This enables farmers to make more informed decisions, optimize resource allocation (water, fertilizer, pesticides), and predict yields with greater accuracy.
- Advanced Cultivation Systems: The development and deployment of controlled environment agriculture technologies, such as smart greenhouses and vertical farms, which allow for year-round production, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced crop quality.
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Platforms: The creation of digital platforms that connect farmers, supply chains, and consumers, facilitating seamless information sharing, traceability, and market access.
By certifying these development and supply plans, MAFF aims to accelerate the practical application of these technologies in real-world farming environments. This not only supports the businesses and organizations involved in their development but also provides farmers with greater access to reliable and effective smart agriculture solutions. The government anticipates that this will lead to a substantial increase in agricultural productivity, a reduction in production costs, and an improvement in the quality and safety of agricultural products.
Furthermore, the promotion of smart agriculture is seen as vital for ensuring Japan’s food security and for fostering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural sector. The efficient use of resources and the reduction of chemical inputs, facilitated by smart technologies, are expected to contribute to the conservation of natural resources and the mitigation of climate change impacts.
The Ministry has expressed its strong commitment to supporting the continued growth and innovation within the smart agriculture sector. This certification is a significant milestone in that journey, signaling a proactive approach to leveraging technology for the future of Japanese agriculture. Farmers and stakeholders across the country are encouraged to engage with these advancements and to explore how smart agriculture can enhance their operations and contribute to a more resilient and prosperous agricultural landscape.
「農業の生産性の向上のためのスマート農業技術の活用の促進に関する法律」に基づき開発供給実施計画を認定しました
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農林水産省 published ‘「農業の生産性の向上のためのスマート農業技術の活用の促進に関する法律」に基づき開発供給実施計画を認定しました’ at 2025-07-31 01:30. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.