INTRODUCTION
A reckless business that was
once considered unprofitable.
Niwa:
Before I joined this project, several new businesses had been contemplated in the Corporate Management Group to address social issues related to agriculture. Prior to that, I was responsible for developing LED lighting and cultivation technology for Leafy greens. At that time, we determined that the LED lighting business for staple crops like rice was not profitable. While LED cultivation of Leafy greens had already been established as a business, staple food plants like rice were seen as a distant future prospect for agriculture. It was challenging for us to envision the potential for a new business in this area.
However, over the past 10 years, the landscape has gradually changed with the discovery of new rice varieties and advancements in LED-related technologies. Additionally, LED cultivation of staple food plants is anticipated to aid in addressing global food and environmental issues, as well as the shortage of agricultural workers. As a result, this project is increasingly important as it aims to address significant social issues. Given these circumstances, the project is moving toward practical application in the near future, with the goal of contributing to global food security.