CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND ECOLOGICAL AGRICULTURE IN KUMAMOTO, JAPAN

On May 6 and 7, Dr. Tran Dinh Lam, Director of the International Cooperation Program, held discussions on sustainable development through the circular economy and ecological agriculture with Mr. Sawamura, Director of Higo Ayumi Company, and Ms. Himeno Yuko, President of the Natural Agriculture Association of Japan, in Kumamoto City.

During the discussions, Mr. Sawamura, who has over 40 years of experience in agriculture, shared his enthusiasm for transitioning to ecological farming more than 20 years ago, eliminating the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. His agricultural products have since been highly recognized and valued by consumers. The region's proximity to the sea has given rise to high-quality tomatoes, renowned throughout Japan.

Mr. Sawamura presenting ecological farming model

Ms. Himeno Yuko guided us through the display of Mr. Sawamura's agricultural products at a Kumamoto City roadside station. Almost all of the fresh tomatoes were sold out by the end of the day.

Ms. Himeno Yuko 

In addition to tomatoes, Mr. Sawamura also produces ecological rice, adhering to natural principles. Small snails in the rice fields eat the weeds, maintaining a natural balance as the rice plants grow tall. The quality of the harvested rice significantly differs from that of conventional cultivation.

Mr. Sawamura shared specific insights that he had previously discussed with young ecological farmers in Daklak in February 2003 and March 2024.

He prepares organic fertilizers by respecting the material cycle of microorganisms, using local ingredients such as eggshells, seashells, and bones from animals like cows, pigs, chickens, and fish, which he grinds according to his unique formula for each type of plant.

The vehicle picks up the goods from the company and distributes them to the locals

Other ingredients like mugwort, celery, mustard greens, and mushrooms are soaked in rice vinegar and fermented black sugar to create nutritious water for the plants.

According to Mr. Sawamura, plants are similar to humans in that they need clean nutrition. Therefore, his company directly produces fertilizers and nutritional water for their products.

After a long time practicing natural ecological agriculture, Mr. Sawamura aims to spread this method among farmers in Kumamoto. However, only two other households, out of approximately 200, have adopted this practice so far.

Tomato products

He takes pride in the fact that his tomatoes are sold year-round across Japan and have been featured in interviews and reports by television stations and newspapers nationwide.

Mr. Sawamura and Ms. Himeno Yuko hope to help Vietnam develop this model to adapt to climate change, aiming for sustainable environmental practices and long-term human health.

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