In land-scarce Singapore, we depend heavily on imported food supplies currently.
The confluence of technology, engineering, design and farming has set the stage for transformation in farming. The physical boundaries are being redefined. Farms can now occupy rooftops, in parks, and even under a viaduct.
Farming innovations have been conceptualised, test-bedded and even implemented by the next generation of local farmers. Find out how they are adopting technology to produce more with less land, labour and water.
Cultivating a Food Resilient Future
With limited land for farming, cities can explore creative ways of locating farms in different parts of the city. Some of the ideas featured include commercial rooftop farming and placing farms in under-utilised spaces such as under a viaduct; both of which have been piloted in Singapore. A conceptual ‘floating ponds’ typology could allow us to locate fish farms anywhere within the urban environment.
Floating farms, new building typologies and integrating farming in mixed-use districts are also considered as we explore overseas ideas for inspiration.
Some local examples featured include Sky Greens’ innovative 9-metre tall system that allows vegetables to grow outdoors and vertically; Sustenir Agriculture’s indoor Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) farm that enables it to control all aspects of the environment to optimise crop growth; and Apollo Aquaculture Group’s three-tier vertical recirculating aquaculture system that lets it grow pearl grouper, coral trout, and white shrimp indoors on multiple levels.
These farms have demonstrated how innovations can lead to higher yield with less resource. If these farming practices are adopted on a larger scale, Singapore could overcome resources constraints and enhance food resilience in leafy vegetables and fish.
Translating Ideas Into Reality
For farming to be more sustainable in future, private and public sectors need to continue to work together to pursue bold ideas leveraging research and technologies. A more resilient farming future also needs to be supported by good policies, creative use of space, innovative building typologies and skilled labour. With technological advancements in farming, there are exciting opportunities to be part of our local food production landscape.