The expansion of indoor farming using AI and sensors, as well as demonstrations of aquaponics combining fish and shellfish aquaculture with hydroponic cultivation, is gaining momentum. U.S. expansion facilities and the Japanese government's investment plans are also introduced.
Indoor farming is increasingly using AI and sensor technology to grow vegetables and fruit more efficiently. In addition to plant factories, aquaponics combining aquaculture with hydroponic cultivation is also getting underway.
オイシイファーム, which operates strawberry plant factories in the United States, has established a research and development center in Hamura, Tokyo, and plans to develop cultivation methods for other crops and automated robots.
NTT East and others have begun aquaponics demonstration testing in Tokyo. By using AI and sensors to control light levels and temperature and shortening the time to shipment, the initiative is promoting pesticide-free, circular production.
In light of the declining number of farmers, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has outlined a policy to encourage entry by companies from other industries and the use of advanced technologies. It has set a public- and private-sector investment target of ¥4.6 trillion in plant factories by FY2040.
There are approximately 440 plant factories in Japan, 1.4 times as many as 10 years ago, but high initial costs and electricity expenses have been identified as challenges.