Reviving Devastated Farmland in Shiga Prefecture with Makomo (straw mats) Developed "Makomo Powder 《Kibo》" rich in nutrients, Crowdfunding for "Makomo Powder 《Kibo》", rich in nutrients, to be held until February 28!

~New Farming & Farmer-Farmer Cooperation Project in Makomoko for Declining Agricultural Land

2025.01.20 09:00

株式会社ビオファーマきぼう

Biopharma Kibo Co. (Location: Moriyama City, Shiga Prefecture; President: Kiyoaki Minami), an organic farmer, has developed "Makomo Powder 《Kibo》," a powdered version of Makomo leaves, in an effort to promote the reuse of Makomo, a perennial grass of the Poaceae family, by planting it on devastated farmland. The product is being sold on the crowdfunding site "Warakado Plaza" until Friday, February 28, 2025.

Crowdfunding｜Warakado Plaza

https://kmfg-warakado.en-jine.com/projects/makomo

真菰農園で作業

Working at Makomoko Farm

■ Background of Development

The ratio of farmland in disrepair in Shiga Prefecture is 3.7% and increasing every year(*1), and the overgrowth of weeds and the conversion of mountains and forests into wilderness is a growing problem. We are promoting the use of Makomo, a perennial grass of the Poaceae family, by planting it in devastated farmland. We planted Makomo by hand and commercialized its production in six stages from harvesting to commercialization without using pesticides. Makomo Powder 《Kibo》 is made from Makomo leaf tips that have been harvested, dried, powdered, and processed into sticks, and contains high amounts of folic acid, dietary fiber, and beta-carotene. The company is also involved in agricultural and welfare cooperation with the hope that local people with disabilities will play an active role in the agricultural field.

https://www.bf-kibou.com/

(*1) "Shiga Prefecture Website" (Idle farmland and devastated farmland)

https://www.pref.shiga.lg.jp/ippan/shigotosangyou/nougyou/seisangizyutsu/18524.html

Makomoko (straw mat)

Characteristics (We have requested the Japan Food Analysis Center to conduct analysis tests on Makomo leaves, and the results are posted on our website)

Makomo's folic acid is 2.8 times higher than that of broccoli.

Makomo contains 330 micrograms/100g of folic acid. It is a "hematopoietic vitamin" that aids in the production of red blood cells and helps prevent anemia.

Makomo has 1.5 times more dietary fiber than matcha (powdered green tea).

Makomo contains 62.2g/100g of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is noted for its useful functions in the body, such as regulating bowel movements, and it also improves bowel movements.

*Makomomo has more β-carotene/vitamin A than shiso.

The "B-carotene" of makomomo is 14300μg/100g, while shiso ranks first as a vegetable with 11000μg/100g. β-carotene is converted into vitamin A, maintaining the health of skin and mucous membranes and promoting anti-aging. It is also reported that β-carotene has antioxidant and immunostimulating effects.

About Returns

Makomo Powder "Kibo" [1 box] *30 2g sticks

　3,600 yen (including tax and shipping)

Makomo Powder "Kibo" [2 boxes] *30 2g sticks (per box)

　7,200 yen (including tax and shipping)

Makomo Powder "Kibo" [3 boxes] *30 2g sticks per box

　10,800 yen (including tax and shipping)

まこもパウダー《きぼう》30包入り