In 2023, Japan's arable and permanent cropland covered approximately 3.71 million hectares. The forecast indicates a gradual decline to 3.61 million hectares by 2028, marking an overall reduction of 2.7% over five years. Annually, this represents an average contraction, or CAGR, of 0.54% in arable land area. This consistent downward trend underscores the persistent challenges in Japan's agricultural sector, potentially driven by urbanization and population decline.
Future trends to watch for include:
- Impact of technological innovation to optimize land use efficiency.
- Government policies promoting sustainable farming practices.
- Strategies to combat the effects of climate change on agricultural productivity.