Empirical Analyses on Rice Yield Determinants of Smart Farming in Japan

This book consists of the major findings of the series projects on smart rice farming in Japan, headed by President of the Society of Agricultural Informatics. It is the gateway to know the paddy agriculture, by incorporating the findings of series national projects. The scenario includes soil analysis, growth investigation, environmental observation of air temperature, water temperature, water depth, cultivation and management records, yield, and quality analysis. In addition to the analysis of this large database, it showcases the new generation large-scale rice farming technology system, integrated with agri-machineries, field sensors, visualized farming, and skill-transferring system. This book presents an analytical framework of big data in agriculture and shows the empirical results for rice farm innovation. The authors want to have the pleasure to contribute the agricultural innovations of adopting smart technologies and empirical studies, in countries no matter far or near to Japan. The authors also hope this book conveys the innovative and elaborate sprites of smart agriculture to the next generation and is of interest to students with curiosity on agriculture, smart technology, and empirical study.

Professor Nanseki is Distinguished Researcher in his field and specialization of developing theory, methods, and information systems in management of risk, information, and human resources for agriculture, food, bio-resources, and the environment. His research activities cover practices and contributions to real farms and support policymaking as well as academic contributions. He has worked for the research institutes of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries as well as the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization for more than 20 years. Prof. Nanseki has also given his expert contribution to the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s international projects in developing innovative approaches worldwide; these activities covered technology transfer and rural development in various countries including Colombia, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Dr. Nanseki has received more than ten academic prizes from many academic societies including the Society of Agricultural Informatics, Society of Farm Management, Society of Environmental Science, Society of Operations Research, and so on. He has also received the Minister’s Award for being an outstanding researcher of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. He was President of the Japanese Society of Farm Management from 2014 to 2016.

Dr. Dongpo Li, male, was born on October 11, 1977, in Hebei Province, China. He was conferred a Ph.D. in Agronomy in March 2012, from Kyushu University, Japan, in the major of Agricultural and Resource Economics. Dr. Li is now working as Associate Professor in the School of Economics and Trade, Hunan Kyushu University of Technology and Business, China. His research interests include empirical analysis of agricultural and rural economics, production efficiency, and international comparative study of agricultural policies.