The system of "Noji-junkai-kyoshi"

Abstract

"Noji-junkai-kyoshi" were instructors designated by the government to act as agricultural advisers to farmers in order to improve agricultural methods. The system was modelled on similar schemes which had previously introduced in several prefectures. The scheme in operation in Ishikawa prefecture is thought to have been particularly influenced. In the first half of the Meiji era, agricultural policy had two distinct aspects in the sense that importance was attached to both traditional Japanese farming methods and to western methods at the same time. From the point of view of the former, "Nodankai" [Farmers' Meetings] were to be promoted and the system of "Noji-junkai-kyoshi" was to be seen as a secondary, supporting measure. On the other hand, from the point of view of the latter, these meetings were not to be approved and the system of "Noji-junkai-kyoshi" was to be function as a substitute. At the planning stage, the traditionalist view was stressed. However, at the actual stage of implementation, the westernising view was stressed. In any case, the number of advisers and the range of their activities was reduced because of budgetary constraints.