From 18 to 26 October 2024, an official Ukrainian delegation, which included leading experts and representatives of the Ukrainian agricultural sector, paid a landmark visit to Japan. This trip was an opportunity to see first-hand the advanced technologies that can radically change the approach to agriculture in Ukraine, especially in the face of climate change and wartime challenges. The invitation came from the Government of Japan, which, together with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), actively supports Ukrainian initiatives to introduce innovations in the agricultural sector.

The Ukrainian delegation paid special attention to unique technology for generating nanobubblesdeveloped and patented by the Japanese company Kakuichi in 2017. Nanobubbles are tiny oxygen molecules that, thanks to modern equipment, evenly saturate the water used for plant irrigation. According to Alla STOYANOVA, a member of the Ukrainian delegation and an expert in the agricultural sector, this technology can significantly increase the resistance of crops to diseases and improve their ability to absorb nutrients from the soil.

"Nanobubble technology is not only about yields, but also about the future of our agricultural sector. In the south of Ukraine, particularly in Odesa region, where the issues of rational water use and increasing crop resilience to drought are extremely important, this technology can be a real breakthrough," said Ms Stoyanova.

During the visit, the Ukrainian delegation visited several farms in Japan where nanobubble technology is already successfully used to grow a variety of crops, from cucumbers and tomatoes to strawberries, bananas and apples. Japanese farmers shared their experience and emphasised that this technology has helped them achieve a steady increase in yields of 15 % or more. Many of them have been cooperating with Kakuichiand the results are impressive - improved product quality, plant health and crop stability at a new level.

The Ukrainian delegation had the opportunity to learn about the full production cycle: at the apple sorting and packaging plant, the delegates observed how innovative technologies help to maintain product quality by simplifying its processing. The tasting of apples grown using nanobubbles became a symbol of sorts: each bite was the result of a harmonious combination of tradition and modern technology.

One day of the visit was devoted to getting acquainted with the production facilities of Kakuichi. This company, founded 138 years ago, has a long history of cooperation with Japanese farmers. It holds a leading position in Japan in the production of pipes and hoses for irrigation systems, construction of hangars for machinery and development of innovations for the agricultural sector. The dedication to quality and environmental friendliness that the company's representatives demonstrated to the Ukrainian delegation inspires a similar approach in Ukraine.

Cooperation with Japanese partners, in particular through project funding through JICA, opens up new prospects for of the Ukrainian agricultural sector. The Japanese government has already proven to be a reliable partner committed to helping Ukraine become stronger in the agricultural arena, even during the war. The innovative projects supported by JICA will be an important step towards restoring and strengthening Ukraine's food security.

In conclusion, Alla Stoyanova expressed her gratitude to the Government of Japan, JICA, Kakuichi, and Ms Tetyana Godiak, to whom we owe the opportunity to join this project. Stoyanova emphasised the importance of introducing Japanese technologies in southern Ukraine, where water shortages and harsh climatic conditions are becoming increasingly significant challenges.

Innovative technologies that may seem unattainable at first glance become real thanks to such visits and partnerships. Kakuichi's nanobubble technology and other innovations have the potential to become the basis for a new level of productivity and sustainability in the Ukrainian agricultural sector, and this experience is inspiring.

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