The Current Status and Challenges of Research and Development for Improvement of Organic Agricultural Technologies in NARO

Abstract

This report provides an overview of the organic farming technologies that have been developed by National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) and current research projects in organic farming and discusses future challenges for expanding organic farming. NARO has developed technologies for labor-saving weeding in organic rice farming and disease and insect control in organic vegetable farming. Currently, NARO is conducting cross-organizational research projects related to organic agriculture, including systematization of organic rice cultivation techniques and establishment of organic strawberry cultivation. Future challenges for the expansion of organic agriculture include the need for meticulous technological development with clear technological targets. It is also necessary to develop technologies that help organic farming supporters and distributors solve problems. Furthermore, it is considered important to conduct multifaceted evaluations of the effects of the introduction of organic farming technologies, as well as participatory research projects involving not only organic farmers but also distributors and other related parties.