第１６６２堀：農業はじっくりやるモノ (Part1)
Chapter 1662: Agriculture is a Slow-Burn Affair
Side: Kaya
"Welcome, Lady Kaya."
"Thank you for going out of your way to meet me, Lady Kaya."
The ones greeting me were Emperor Yupia of the Zuraburu Empire and the Grand Imperial Advisor, Show.
Under normal circumstances, such a reception would be unheard of, but for me, it’s a common occurrence. In fact, these two often come to Weed just to eat, and we frequently share a table.
"……No problem. I heard you wanted to talk about agriculture. What are the specifics?"
If I were dealing with status-conscious nobles, I’d be more formal, but I’m already well-acquainted with these two. Of course, if other retainers were present, I’d mind my manners, but for now, we stick to our usual style.
"Hmm? Have you not heard the details from Lord Yuki here?"
"……Not the details. Or rather, there’s no way to pin them down yet."
"What do you mean by that?"
"……I heard the students were given the assignment of farming to reduce the number of mouths to feed. But Yuki said I need to discuss with you two just how much I should disclose."
I glance at Yuki. He’s accompanying me, as expected. Since this is my first time in this place, he’s making sure I don’t get lost.
"Ah, I see your point."
"As for how much to disclose……"
"We haven't even decided on introducing cores yet. Which means there’s no high-speed transport. Should I suggest mass-producing carriages? Or do I talk about introducing cars?"
"Hmm. If those are the specific examples, I can see why you’d be troubled."
"And yet, it would be arrogant to compare the performance of a carriage to a car."
"……Exactly. The difference is overwhelming. It’s the same for everything else; even a single farming tool can drastically increase efficiency. Even just a wheelbarrow or a handcart makes a world of difference in transport."
According to Yuki, the goal is for the children to figure out how to increase their harvest. While taking in everyone’s opinions is fine, in the end, manpower is what counts. To use that manpower efficiently, you need wisdom—and tools. While wisdom can be improvised, the presence or absence of tools cannot be solved overnight. The tools available change how you apply that wisdom and how you draft your plans.
My point seems to have gotten across, as the two of them furrow their brows in thought.
"I see…… Then, how about we have the students present their own opinions first? And based on those proposals, Kaya, you could bring in the tools you think would be useful for the next lesson. What do you think, Show?"
"……I agree with letting the students voice their opinions. After that, however, I believe it should be up to Lady Kaya’s judgment to provide the tools. It is important to teach them not only about tools that fit their ideas, but also to make them aware of what tools are actually available to them."
"I see. Hmm. In that case, could we ask you to procure what is available from your side?"
"……Understood. If that’s the case, it makes things easier for me."
After all, it allows me to use my own judgment. If I were forced to follow the whims of those above—deciding this tool shouldn't be used or that one is unavailable—the scope of what we could actually accomplish would shrink immediately.
"By the way, Lady Kaya, there was something I wanted to ask."
"What is it?"
"Regarding agricultural research, how do you… no, in what manner do you conduct your research? We are quite ignorant of the basics."
"……Ah, I see."
They probably don’t understand what "agricultural research" entails. After all, researching crops is fundamentally a dull, unglamorous affair. Besides, is it even necessary for these two? Those at the top only need to demand increased production. The thinking is left to those below—though it might sound harsh to call them subordinates, that is their job. People in positions like Yuki or Seraria have to determine the overall policy; involving themselves in a single department isn't a waste of time, per se, but it’s not the most efficient use of their resources. Well, I’m sure they know that, even as they ask.
"……This applies to any technology: you need to build theories indoors, investigate materials, and keep records. Then, you need field surveys and practical research. Agriculture is the same."
"I see."
"I understand. So it is the same in that regard."
"Yes. The only difference is the stage—whether it’s a field, a training ground, or a laboratory. The biggest difference is that the results are hard to see. Improving crops, for instance, takes time just for them to grow."
"Indeed. Since it takes time to see results, it’s difficult to get a budget approved."
"It’s not something you can understand just by pouring in a single budget. Even for one field, you need a year’s worth of budget, including personnel and tools. If you’re not careful, it could cost as much as a battalion, depending on the number of people and the size of the land."
"……At that price, it’s certainly difficult for a lord to bear the burden, and failure isn't an option. Especially since there’s always a risk of failure."
"……Nothing is absolute. Even if an experiment goes well, there are countless accidents when you move to nature. Weather, pests, vermin—the list is endless. The most important thing is not to give up. In Yuki’s homeland, they say that a farmer is someone who fights against nature."
I truly believe that’s the case. You have to tend to the fields day after day, never missing the slightest change. In that sense, it is the most delicate of all work.
"Hmm. Fighting against nature. That is exactly right."
"Soil where crops won't grow, poor weather, pests, and vermin are common causes of poor harvests. Yet, there are no clear countermeasures..."
"Investigating those and establishing countermeasures is also part of agricultural work. Of course, solutions sometimes come from other departments. To put it simply, things like pest control can be handled by adventurers or the military."
"Indeed. I hear stories of that nature often."
"Well, they have clear targets, so they can use the method of subjugation."
"……It’s not just that. When the state provides support for the less obvious problems, the total crop production of the entire nation rises. If you want to show clear results, it’s through fertilizer to enrich the soil and crops that yield more. Both are easy to import and inexpensive."
Even if you try to source seeds or fertilizer yourself, buying them is a huge gamble because you never know if they’ll actually grow.
"When you put it that way, it makes perfect sense. Hmm..."
"There is quite a lot to consider..."
The two fall silent after hearing my opinion, but then Yuki speaks up.
"Thinking about the future is fine, but right now, we’re talking about guiding the students. Kaya, are you ready to start preparations based on the plan we just discussed?"
"Hm? Ah, yes. It’s all information that would be useful even for us to hear. Still, you continue to hand out information for free, as always."