National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) has developed an observation method that utilizes downwash airflow of drone to capture images of each plant while the drone flew over the rows of strawberry crops. By utilizing this method, the images of the growing point of each plant can be recorded, which is necessary for diagnosing strawberry growth and predicting yields. This research result makes it possible to efficiently obtain information on the emergence and growth of leaves on many plants in a greenhouse. Hence this is expected to contribute to more efficient strawberry production. Read more
NARO has developed a method to easily and accurately determine body condition score (BCS), using two-dimensional images taken from the rear of dairy cattle (Holstein breed). BCS is an important indicator for nutritional management of dairy cattle. BCS was previously determined by experts by visual inspection and palpation. This research result enables the determination of BCS with high accuracy from images taken with mobile devices such as smartphones.This will lead to efficient & appropriate nutritional management and improved breeding. Hence it is expected to improve longevity and rebreeding ability. Read more
NARO has developed a planting position control mechanism that allows rice seedlings to be planted in both longitudinal and lateral rows. Mechanical weeding in both longitudinal and lateral direction is now possible by planting in rows at equal intervals and weeding efficiency is improved among plants where weeding rates were previously low. It is expected that by utilizing a rice transplanter equipped with a planting position control mechanism will contribute to the expansion of organic rice cultivation in paddy fields, where the hassle of weeding has been an obstacle. Read more
National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) has developed a technology that automates the replacement of tractor implement, which is essential for further labor saving in work using robot tractor. This technology is expected to reduce agricultural accidents because it eliminates the need for human intervention during the replacement of implement, which can be dangerous. It saves labor significantly when attaching and detaching implement, and it also contributes to the realization of completely unmanned agricultural work. Read more
