Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Announces Sixth Round of “Digital Transformation” Registrations for Mountainous and Hilly Regions
Tokyo, Japan – September 9, 2025 – The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) today announced the successful completion of the sixth round of registrations for its “Digital Transformation” (デジ活 – Dejikatsu) initiative, specifically targeting mountainous and hilly regions across Japan. This initiative aims to leverage digital technologies to revitalize these vital, yet often underpopulated, areas.
The announcement, made on September 9, 2025, at 5:00 AM JST, highlights MAFF’s ongoing commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by rural communities, including aging populations, labor shortages, and limited access to essential services. The “Dejikatsu” program is a cornerstone of MAFF’s strategy to foster innovation and sustainability in these regions through the strategic adoption of digital tools and services.
The sixth round of registrations signifies a growing momentum for the program, indicating increased interest and participation from local governments, agricultural cooperatives, and individual farmers and residents in mountainous and hilly areas. While the specific details of the registered projects and their locations have not yet been fully disclosed in the initial announcement, MAFF has indicated that the focus remains on a broad spectrum of digital applications designed to improve agricultural productivity, enhance regional economic activities, and facilitate community engagement.
Past rounds of the “Dejikatsu” initiative have supported projects such as:
- Smart Farming Technologies: The implementation of IoT sensors for monitoring soil conditions and weather, drone-based crop management, and automated agricultural machinery to improve efficiency and reduce labor dependency.
- Digital Infrastructure Development: Enhancing internet connectivity and access to digital platforms, crucial for enabling remote work, online education, and telehealth services in these often remote areas.
- E-commerce and Digital Marketing: Supporting local producers in reaching wider markets through online sales channels and innovative marketing strategies, thereby boosting local economies.
- Community Revitalization Platforms: Developing digital tools for communication, information sharing, and the promotion of local tourism and cultural heritage, fostering a stronger sense of community and attracting new residents.
- Streamlining Administrative Services: Utilizing digital solutions to simplify bureaucratic processes for residents and businesses, making it easier to access government services and support.
MAFF’s continued emphasis on mountainous and hilly regions underscores their recognition of these areas as crucial for Japan’s food security, biodiversity, and the preservation of its unique cultural landscapes. By facilitating the adoption of digital technologies, the ministry aims to ensure that these regions remain vibrant and sustainable for future generations.
The ministry is expected to release more detailed information regarding the specific outcomes and projects from the sixth registration in the coming weeks. This latest development is a positive step forward in MAFF’s vision of a digitally empowered and revitalized rural Japan.
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農林水産省 published ‘「デジ活」中山間地域の登録（第6回）について’ at 2025-09-09 05:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.