Agricultural and Rural Economics

Agricultural and Rural Economics

Comparative study of the agricultural systems in Iran and Japan

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
SMJ Esfahani Esfahani 1
Shohreh Soltani 2
1 Assistant Professor of the Agricultural and Rural Development Group, APERDRI, Tehran, Iran
2 Assistant Professor of the Agicultural and Rural Development Group, APERDRI, Tehran, Iran
10.30490/etr.2025.367380.1051
Abstract
Introduction:
Food security is of great importance in both countries, Iran and Japan. Agricultural systems in both countries are examples of the complex interaction between cultural heritage and modern needs. Both Japan and Iran have rich agricultural histories that are deeply connected to their unique cultural and environmental contexts. Therefore, these two countries were studied comparatively in this paper.

Materials and Methods: The case-oriented comparative method was used in this research. Comparative studies are a very important method in social science studies for the purpose of comparison between countries. In this study, important information on the agricultural sector of the two countries was considered. Among different dimensions of the agricultural sector, some indicators including the general characterizatrion of the agricultural sector in two countries, major agricultural products, agricultural product performance, gross value of agricultural production, greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption, nitrate fertilizer consumption, agricultural governance system, and finally their governance systems were studied and compared.

Results and discussion: Given the different circumstances of the two countries, the agricultural policies of Iran and Japan have different directions. Iran has adopted a subsidy-based approach that aims to stabilize prices and ensure food security. In contrast, Japan emphasizes evidence-based and sustainable policymaking that demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, environmental protection, and technological innovation. Japan has attempted to compensate for severe constraints in the agricultural sector by increasing productivity, and its policies are generally designed with the participation of farmers and villagers. Japan’s emphasis on waste managemenr and reduction of food loss has led to the reduced dependence on external food sources.

Conclusion and suggestions: The agricultural sector in Iran has many natural advantages over Japanese agriculture. Both Japan and Iran are embracing technological advances to improve their agricultural sectors, but they are doing so in different contexts, influenced by their unique challenges and goals. The integration of technologies allows for more efficient usage of resources and better crop management, and responds to issues related to labor shortages and urbanization. In contrast, Iran’s agricultural strategy focuses on adopting sustainable practices and improving traditional farming methods to address its unique challenges, such as water scarcity and market volatility. A focus on sustainability is crucial in a country where access to water has always been a serious challenge. In addition, investments in advanced technologies, such as precision agriculture, are gradually being integrated into Iranian farming practices. However, the country still faces obstacles such as limited access to modern infrastructure.
Keywords
Agricultural System
Iran
Japan
Agricultural Development
Rural Development
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