Study of Structural Change in Paddy Agriculture under Reorganization of Direct Payment Policy

Abstract

Rice has long been an integral part of Japan’s culture and economy, as well as an important commodity in Japan-US relations, but farmers in Japan are concerned that trouble is afoot due to competition from countries such as the US, where rice production is more competitive, as well as reorganization of direct payment policy. The question is, how can rice production in Japan remain competitive amidst such competition? One researcher is seeking to shed light on the situation and explore how paddy agriculture in Japan can potentially flourish. Dr Kunio Nishikawa is based at Ibaraki University, Japan, whose Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)-funded work is exploring the discrepancy in crop output in the US versus Japan, and seeking to find new ways to boost Japan’s agriculture.