Crop Diversification in the Asia-Pacific region - United Nations in ...

food industry have sharply increased. Consequently, domestic agriculture should improve theproduction and supply system to meet the food industry's needs.The agriculture sector should work closely with the food industry and contribute to aharmonious relationship by proving raw materials that fit well with industry needs andconsumer preference and concerns, such as food safety.5.2 Trends in Farmers and Agricultural WorkforceThe total number of farm households was 3,239,000 as of January 1, 1999, 53,000less (down 1.6 percent) than the previous year. Of this figure, the number of commercialfarm households was 2,475,000, down 1.9 percent from the previous year. The number offull-time farmers with male worker(s) at productive age involved showed a 2.4 percentdecline, while the number of full-time aged farmers has continuously increased.The population of those mainly engaged in farming as of January 1, 1999 was3,845,000 (including both male and female workers), down 1.2 percent from the previousyear, but that of those aged 65 years old and over showed a 2.1 percent increase. As a result,the ratio of aged workers of 65 years old and over accounted for 51.3 percent, more than halfof the total farming population. Agricultural production systems including choice of crops tobe grown will be influenced inevitably by this population structure.5.3 Production of Wheat, Soybeans and Feed Crops in Paddy FieldsThe production of wheat and soybeans in paddy fields has not been extensivelyimplemented, because planted areas change considerably along with the changing size of theproduction adjustment of rice. Higher profit, however, could be gained because of the higherefficiency enabled by group farming and integrated land use of core farmers, as well asquality improvement. Disseminating the best practices nationwide may be effective inpromoting this type of farming.Wheat and soybeans produced in paddy fields vary considerably in terms of yield andquality, and a system to supply homogenous products in a large quantity, in response toconsumers' needs, has not been fully established. To improve this situation, it is necessary todemonstrate basic farming techniques on farms, develop varieties reflecting end-users'evaluations, and improve and stabilize yield and quality by securing the required quantity.In the area of feed crops, efficient production should be encouraged through fieldgrouping, while promoting close cooperation between cultivated plant farmers and livestockfarmers. Further research is needed for the identification of proper feed crops and varieties inmeeting with demands.Land extensive farming based on a paddy field farming system is essential to increasedomestic production under the new Basic Law. Expectations are growing that producersnationwide should make efforts to extensively produce wheat, soybeans and feed crops andwork for sustainable agricultural development and increased self-sufficiency ratio throughthe realization of highly profitable paddy field farming.57