Initiatives by rice farmers

Initiatives by rice farmers

Empowering the restoration of Noto
agriculture with agricultural bulldozers

Initiatives by rice farmers

Empowering the restoration of Noto
agriculture with agricultural bulldozers

ICT can transform a rice farmer into a bulldozer specialist

Exploration of dozer potential started pre-disaster

About five to six years before the earthquake, a rice farmer named Takahiro Ura first began using an agricultural bulldozer to spread gravel on farm roads and level his rice fields.
In the aftermath of the recent disaster, he found his fields in a horrible state: cracked soil, sinks and severely warped surface conditions.
When trying to come up with a solution, he had a eureka moment.
His own experience and information communication technology came together in an inspired solution: an agricultural bulldozer equipped with ICT technology.

Immediate aid in disaster recovery

It is vital to fill in the fissures and level ground subsidence and lifting caused by a seismic event. Otherwise in a worst case scenario, subsequent snow or rainfall could lead to secondary disasters such as landslides. Takahiro Ura considered leveling his field while it was still flooded with water, so he consulted Komatsu and conducted repeated demonstration experiments.

ICT backs up our work

An agricultural bulldozer equipped with ICT technology can receive and process signals from GNSS satellites for precise positioning information, ensure accurate grading of uneven fields, and even automatically control the blade.
With basic training, even farmers with little experience can operate the machine and level land on their own.

A ray of hope lights the way to a better future

For example, if rice farmers want to better suppress weeds in their paddies, improve water retention, increase yields, or upgrade the way they work, agricultural bulldozers may be the solution to these and other challenges.

Interview

ICT technology creates new agriculture

Takahiro Ura, Rice farmer
The first time I sat behind the controls of an agricultural bulldozer, I was overwhelmed with its possibilities. Equipped with ICT, it converted the unevenness of the field into digital data and automatically controlled the blade. It moved as if a bulldozer expert were the operator. Its highly efficient operation resulted in no wasted effort. Still we noted some things to improve, and Komatsu was quick to provide solutions.

I actually use the machine and provide Komatsu with frank feedback on my impressions. We discuss their measures to answer my concerns, put them into action and improve. Out of this process, we have built a relationship of trust.
We are only halfway down the road to recovery from the earthquake disaster, but the agricultural bulldozer has provided us with a ray of hope. I want to make this initiative a success and encourage other farmers to follow my example.
I am here today thanks to the people of Noto, my fellow farmers, the team from local support organizations, and Komatsu.
I believe that ICT can also help to make agriculture in Noto more efficient and provide labor savings in the future.

I want to continue to protect Noto agriculture

Hiromitsu Matsuki, Rice farmer
If you've ever operated agricultural machinery, I don't think it's difficult to operate an agricultural bulldozer.
Thanks to some training and ICT, leveling the field was relatively easy.
There remain many challenges to overcome in our reconstruction efforts. Everyday we’re trying to solve issues, and not always successfully, but I really want to use the agricultural bulldozer to its maximum effect.
I am committed to preserving agriculture on the Noto peninsula, which has been designated a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System, and our way of life in this region.