Rice planting drone takes flightーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS
NHK WORLD-JAPAN
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Video Summary
Japan is facing a decline in rice farmers due to a shrinking population, prompting exploration of new technologies to improve rice growing efficiency. A collaborative effort between a local government, a university, and a company in Acta Prefecture has developed a flying drone capable of sowing rice seeds autonomously. This innovation addresses challenges such as seed clumping and uneven distribution, with a new rod and multiple dispensing outlets. Initial trials show yields only 3% lower than traditional seedling planting, significantly reducing labor and time. The national government sees potential in this technology to alleviate labor shortages and expects its widespread adoption in Japan and potentially other parts of Asia.
Short Highlights
- Japan's rice farming faces challenges from a shrinking population and fewer farmers.
- A new drone autonomously sows rice seeds, overcoming clumping and distribution issues.
- The drone planting method is highly efficient, reducing labor and time.
- This technology is expected to spread across Japan and potentially Asia.
Key Details
Declining Rice Farmers in Japan [00:00]
- Japan's shrinking population is leading to a decline in the number of rice farmers.
- Companies and governments are exploring new, efficient methods for rice growing, including aerial drones.
"But Japan's shrinking population is bringing with it a decline in the number of rice farmers."
Development of a Seed-Sowing Drone [00:36]
- A collaboration in Acta Prefecture between local government, a university, and a company developed a flying drone that sows rice seeds.
- The 1.8 m square drone can navigate autonomously.
"The collaboration between a local government, a university, and a company has developed a flying drone that sews rice seeds."
Overcoming Technical Challenges [00:59]
- A key challenge was preventing seeds from bunching up in the device.
- A rod was installed to stir the seeds in the tank, preventing clumping.
"The seeds clogged easily and whenever a blockade occurred, we had to land the drone, clear the clog, and then fly it again."
Ensuring Even Seed Distribution [01:26]
- Another problem was achieving even distribution of seeds.
- Initially, a single dispensing outlet caused seeds to spread unevenly due to centrifugal force.
"Initially, the drone had a single dispensing outlet. But the centrifugal force of the blade caused the seas to spread more in one direction."
Improved Distribution System [01:48]
- Engineers installed guides and outlets in all directions to ensure even seed distribution.
- The drone pushes seeds out with a spinning blade located inside.
"So the engineers installed guys and outlets in all directions to ensure even distribution."
Field Trials and Yields [02:05]
- The company has been working with local government and a university to help farmers use the device effectively.
- Yields using the drone are only 3% lower than traditional seedling planting methods.
"The result is that eel with the drone is only 3% lower than when planting seedlings with a traditional method."
Farmer's Experience [02:16]
- Kumatoko tried the drone to reduce her father's workload.
- She was able to finish rice planting in less than an hour, noting the efficiency and reduced need for people.
"It was very efficient. We needed fewer people and it was done in such a short time."
Government and Future Prospects [02:40]
- The national government is closely observing the use of drones in agriculture.
- The technology is expected to help save labor, reduce worker numbers, and spread throughout Japan and potentially other parts of Asia.
"I believe this technology could help save labor and reduce the number of workers needed. So, I expect it to spread throughout Japan in the future."
