Journal of Developments in Sustainable Agriculture
Online ISSN : 1880-3024
Print ISSN : 1880-3016
ISSN-L : 1880-3016
Roles and Effectiveness of Agricultural Cooperatives in Japan, with Special Emphasis on Organized Farm Activities
Anura R. Rajaratne
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2007 Volume 2 Issue 2 Pages 192-198

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Abstract

Japanese agriculture cooperatives (JACs) make up a huge organizational network in Japan. The network is not limited to agricultural activities, but is also involved in social, cultural, and industrial sectors. Through encouraging member participation, JACs have done an excellent job in responding to their members' needs. Community mobilization, collective efforts, and member participation are crucial factors in this. In comparison, the coordination mechanisms of farmers' organizations in Sri Lanka are far less powerful. As a result, Sri Lanka lacks high quality marketing facilities and practices, and the agricultural sector is not well developed.
In this study, I conducted a literature review of JACs, then analyzed data collected by the University of Tsukuba and from farmer interviews. The Tsuchiura and Yatabe areas in Ibaraki Prefecture were selected as study sites. Farmers in these areas primarily cultivate lotus and organic rice, respectively. The agriculture cooperative's participatory group approach uses marketing information and improved marketing strategies, which were key factors in the Tsuchiura area. The cultivation activities of the lotus farmers is coordinated with social and cultural activities, and the JACs play a vital role in provision of infrastructure facilities such as warehouses, transportation, research, and supply inputs. Organic rice cultivation is quite important in Yatabe, and 29 local farmers practice fully organic rice farming. The demand for organic rice is greater than the supply in Japan, which represents an opportunity for farmers in Yatabe.
Agricultural cooperatives are important organizations that have helped in Japan's rapid agro-economic development. They have also contributed to national development in Japan, socially, culturally, and economically. My intent is to apply the results of this study to build a pilot model to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of rural agricultural communities in Sri Lanka. Over time, the model could be expanded to include more areas.

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© 2007 by Agricultural and Forestry Research Center, University of Tsukuba
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