Evaluation of scale-merit and costs reduction effect by Air-assisted Strip Seeding for Direct Seeding in Flooded Paddy Fields

Abstract

This paper aims to evaluate the possibility of reduction effect in rice production cost (=material cost plus labor cost) with scale expansion of new technology, which is Air-assisted Strip Seeding for Direct Seeding in Flooded Paddy Fields, developed by Hokuriku Research Center. To clarify this effect, rice production cost on paddy farming in Niigata Prefecture with new technology is analyzed by model analysis based on linear programming. Results shows that the max of rice planted area is 52.4ha and total planted area (including soybean) is 78.6ha on the best solution. Rice (Kosihikari) production cost per 10a decreased around 20%, compared with more than 5ha paddyfarm in Hokuriku area. So rice production cost per 60kg decreased around 20%, compared with more than 5ha paddy-farm in Hokuriku area. Sensitivity Analysis shows that rate of capacity of puddling before seeding is limited and in this time residual of labor use is zero. This suggests that improvement of working process is necessary. If cropping season expansion with new technology are capable, depreciation of fixed cost decreases and rice production cost decreases.