Kameoka City revolutionising farming on individual-level

Kameoka City in Kyoto Prefecture is accelerating the implementation of smart agriculture technologies to secure the future of the local food industry. Through the Open Innovation Center Kameoka, known as OICK, the municipal government has partnered with the Kyoto University of Advanced Science and the Kameoka Chamber of Commerce and Industry to modernise traditional farming practices, transitioning agriculture from a labour intensive sector reliant on intuition to a data driven creative industry.

The project focuses on a smart greenhouse facility equipped with a Dutch style environment control system. Computers monitor and adjust temperature, fertiliser levels, and carbon dioxide concentrations 24 hours a day. This automation allows individuals with limited farming experience to produce high quality crops consistently. The facility also utilises LED lighting to support plant growth regardless of weather conditions.

A key feature of the OICK facility is its soil-free cultivation method. The greenhouse employs hydroponics, using rock wool substrates for crops such as tomatoes and water film techniques for leafy greens. This approach ensures a clean working environment and efficient nutrient delivery. The architectural design includes four metre ceilings, enabling tomato plants to grow over 10 metres tall. By lowering the stems as they grow, farmers can maintain harvests over an extended period.

The precision of the automated systems allows for a significant reduction in pesticide use. Most leafy vegetables produced at the centre are grown without any pesticides, making them safe for raw consumption. These products, branded as Kameoka Sentan Vegetables, are sold at the Saeki no Sato local market. Leafy greens like spinach and mizuna are already on sale, and high quality tomatoes are scheduled next.

Takahiro Katsuragawa, the Mayor of Kameoka, described the project as a major step in updating agriculture into an industry that anyone can join. He emphasised that digitising the wisdom of veteran farmers and ensuring stable production is vital for food security. The city intends to continue operating OICK as a hub for manufacturing and technical support to enhance the development capabilities of local businesses.