Yanmar has launched a documentary that explores its commitment to innovation in agriculture and sustainability, available for viewing on YouTube. The film sheds light on the pressing challenges facing the agricultural sector, particularly as the global workforce in agriculture has decreased from 40% in 2000 to 26% in 2022, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Despite this decline, the demand for food continues to rise, necessitating solutions that enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impact.

The documentary features Yanmar’s advancements in mechanization, robotics, and intelligent systems designed to support small-scale farmers and improve agricultural efficiency. Notably, the YV01 autonomous vineyard robot is highlighted for its ability to operate on steep and uneven terrain, which not only reduces the physical strain on workers but also enhances operational consistency. Additionally, Yanmar is developing the e-X1, a fully electric autonomous agricultural machine expected to enter market monitoring by 2025, reflecting the company’s focus on low-emission farming practices.

Shigemi Hidaka, head of Agribusiness R&D at Yanmar, emphasizes the dual necessity of increasing agricultural productivity while ensuring sustainability. He notes that the challenges in agriculture extend beyond mere production volume, with climate change and drought posing significant threats to food security.

In response to these challenges, Yanmar has initiated the ‘Save the Farms by Yanmar’ program, which integrates agrivoltaics—installing solar panels above farmland—to revitalize idle land, generate renewable energy, and enhance farmers’ income. Kenichi Tanaka, project leader for the initiative, explains that the goal is to connect agriculture with future energy solutions, aiming to make farming an attractive career for the next generation.

This approach aligns with similar agrivoltaic projects in Europe and the United States, which are increasingly recognized as effective measures for climate change adaptation, promoting energy transition and land resilience while providing economic benefits.

Yanmar is also committed to achieving zero greenhouse gas emissions across its operations by 2050, a goal that drives its innovations in clean energy and sustainable agricultural practices. Agribusiness President Kemal Shoshi reiterates the company’s philosophy of delivering new value through technology, a principle rooted in the vision of Yanmar’s founder, Magokichi Yamaoka.

Through its documentary and ongoing initiatives, Yanmar aims to redefine the role of technology in creating a sustainable agricultural future, focusing on enhancing food security and promoting environmental stewardship. The company’s efforts reflect a broader trend towards integrating advanced technology in agriculture to address the multifaceted challenges of the modern era.