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The Shift in Agriculture: Embracing AI

Japan is witnessing a significant transformation in its agricultural sector. With the latest report from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries revealing that the number of core farmers has dipped below one million for the first time, the need for innovation has never been more pressing. Amidst this backdrop, a new publication titled Why Can Some Farmers Master AI? has emerged, delving into how AI can be a game-changer for agricultural practices.

Insight from Why Can Some Farmers Master AI?

Released on July 10, 2026, by NouJouJin, this book showcases five distinct case studies from various agricultural fields including dairy farming, greenhouse cultivation, rice growing, poultry farming, and mixed farming. Each case exemplifies how farmers tailor AI tools to resolve their unique challenges.

The book highlights that while the average age of farmers continues to rise, now at 67.7 years with a significant proportion being over 65, the tasks they handle are becoming more extensive. Farmers today juggle responsibilities ranging from monitoring crops to making management decisions, and from product development to sales. Consequently, integrating AI as a tool—rather than a luxury—is essential for sustaining these operations efficiently.

Redefining Roles with AI

Different farmers utilize AI in varied capacities. Here are a few roles highlighted in the publication:

• - **As