UP farms to get Japanese tech boost

The third meeting of the Japan-India Joint Working Group concluded on Friday at Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology in Kanpur. The session focused on enhancing agricultural technology collaboration under the Japan-India Model Farm Project, involving the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), the Uttar Pradesh government, and the university.

KV Raju, Economic Advisor to the Chief Minister, emphasized the necessity of establishing large-scale demonstration units to facilitate the adoption of Japanese agricultural technologies. He advocated for the development of agri-processing zones across the state and the implementation of time-bound action plans to achieve 100% of the set targets.

Sudhir M. Bobde, Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor, who attended online, suggested adapting Japanese technology to local conditions and revising the university curriculum to incorporate these technologies, thereby supporting entrepreneurship development.

Vice-Chancellor Anand Kumar Singh highlighted the significant potential of Japanese IMEC film farming technology in the state, particularly its ability to produce high-quality cherry tomatoes with enhanced sweetness. He stated that expanding the use of Japanese technology would improve farmers' economic conditions and that the university would provide all necessary facilities for showcasing this technology.

Mitsuo Shimada, a representative from Japan's MAFF, noted that during the recent meeting between the Prime Ministers of India and Japan, Japanese companies such as Mebius Inc, Tomatec, Nichino India, and Escorts Kubota presented their technologies at the university.

Advisors Dr. Koji and Dr. Sushi Amamoto from MAFF Japan reviewed the previous year's activities and outlined the work plan for the Model Farm Project. The meeting concluded with a review of the IMEC technology at the university.

Over 20 Japanese delegates participated in the event, underscoring the strong bilateral cooperation in agricultural technology between Japan and India.