Supporting local famer's request of the spraying fertilizers/pesticide on rice paddy by drone.

Nakano Shoten Co., Ltd.
Takumi NAKANO 
Yuta ENDO

Nakano Shoten Co., Ltd. is a rice dealer located in Kitakata City, Fukushima Prefecture, in an inland climate because of the basin region, which is hot and humid in summer and suffers from strong cold waves and heavy snowfall. The third-generation owner is Takumi NAKANO.

Surrounded by historical furnishings, his store is constantly visited by local farmers. The store sells rice wholesale and supply to local customers, and agricultural materials, fertilizers, and pesticides to farmers. The agricultural problem is same as other area, in Kitakata City face to the problem of a shortage of farmers, and they have been actively undertaking local famer's request of the spraying fertilizers/pesticide on rice paddy by drone for the past 5 years.

Determination to support the problems of Kitakata City, where I grew up

Takumi supports local rice farmers by using this drone to spray pesticides and fertilizers on behalf of them, taking advantage of the depth of local connections, while nurturing young human resources to lead the region through belonging to the Aizu Kitakata Junior Chamber of Commerce in Kitakata City. Since each farmer has individual work schedule and their own unique farming methods and growing methods that he gains the great trust of the local people not only by meeting with face-to-face, but also by communicating closely with them by phone, keeping close on every detail and paying soft attention to the weather and adjusting. He wants to help the aging population that is unable to work themselves, by undertaking spraying on behalf of them, he hopes that the agriculture will be sustainable in Kitakata City.

Nileworks Nile-JZ Plus agricultural drone is lightweight and can be prepared and carried by one person. However, Nakano Shoten's policy is to always prepare for work with two people.

Takumi:” Most important is we focus on spraying precisely as they requested us in trust.Since people prepare pesticides and fertilizers, mistakes are bound to occur in what people do. We try to avoid risk by establishing a work system that prevents mistakes from happening. We must not make a mistake in spraying due to “carelessness” or “assumption.” Therefore, we always work in pairs to double-check the location where we work to be asked, the amount to be sprayed, and the type of pesticide or fertilizer.” 

Secret of delicious rice, from Kitakata Aizu

The Aizu region, where Kitakata City is located, is known as one of the best rice-supplying regions in the Tohoku area. It is said that because the land and weather conditions are suitable for rice farming. The city is surrounded on the east by the Ōu Mountains with Bandai-san, one of Japan's 100 most famous mountains, and on the west by the Echigo Mountains. The area is rich in clean water, with first-class rivers such as the Aga River and other rivers with their water sources in those mountains running throughout the region, and water stored at the Nicchu Dam also keeping the rice fields moist. 

In addition, the huge difference in temperature between winter and summer causes the rice to store up nutrients, making the rice delicious and umami and sweetness.

Takumi:”Our involvement in the farming process helps to make good rice, which contributes to the promotion of local food. It is very motivating for me to hear that customers enjoy the rice as I am responsible for the food industry.”

Yuta:” We spray about 200 hectares a year, and we work every day from early morning in the summer. This is the most differency of the job because it depends on the weather, but I am happy when customers thank me for spraying on behalf of them.” 

Compared to the other company's product that he used before; he realizes the advantages of fully automatic flight drone.

Yuta is operating drone, Takumi can prepare the next spraying material, which is more efficient and more comfortable.

They would like to continue to deliver that Kitakata City is still have the potential via food.

They confirmed that their passionate wish to contribute to the local community through utilizing drones to spray pesticides and fertilizers on their behalf will never change and will continue to lead to the future.