Published On: June 26, 2023

Author: Angelina Thng

 

Did you know? Over 90% of Singapore’s food is imported, which makes local food production especially essential in our quest to reduce reliance on food imports. Given our limited resources and land, however, attempting to strengthen our food security and depend less on external sources is no easy feat. Amidst the votalities of the global food market, which can range from bans on export, and disruptions to transport routes to food shortages, the “30 by 30” goal forms a part of our country’s broader strategy to safeguard our food supply, ensuring that it is not only sustainable and sufficient to meet the needs of the entire population but also resilient enough to weather through the aforementioned difficulties.

 

But what exactly is the “30 by 30” goal? 

 

It refers to our aim to be able to locally produce 30% of our own nutritional needs by 2030! Currently, Singapore is looking to increase the cultivation of vegetables as well as ramp up and diversify the production of protein sources such as eggs and fish. By investing into and bolstering our local food production capabilities, the risks associated with global food supply chains, including disruptions due to climate change, geopolitical tensions, and pandemics, are likely to be mitigated. 

 

Despite being land-scarce—which makes traditional forms of farming more difficult for us—Singapore makes up for its lack of resources via innovation, technology as well as research and development (R&D). In order to achieve our “30 by 30” goal, our country is employing various strategies and technologies:

 

 

1. Vertical Farming

An ingenious solution for the land scarcity issue, vertical farming involves growing crops indoors in dense, vertically stacked layers in a controlled environment with artificial lighting. This method maximises the land utilised and moves away from the need to depend on or follow traditional agricultural practices.  However, the benefits of vertical farming don’t just end there! This form of indoor farming allows for growing conditions to be better managed, protecting crops from adverse weather and pests, while being capable of regulating lighting, temperature and other such conditions which usually affect crop yield and quality. It’s no wonder this approach has gained traction in many highly urbanised countries! 

 

 

2. Indoor Agriculture

Many of Singapore’s urban farms make use of advanced agricultural techniques, including hydroponics and aeroponics. These methods allow plants to grow even without soil, instead replacing it with either nutrient-rich water solutions or misting systems respectively. They also help conserve water and allow for year-round production since indoor agriculture isn’t affected by the changing of seasons. The implementation of smart sensors that provide crops with the precise amount of light and nutrients they require also customisises and finetunes light wavelengths to achieve optimal photosynthesis rates, thereby maximising crop growth.

 

 

3. Robotics and Automation

Robotic systems increase efficiency and reduce the need for manual labour and manpower, allowing farmers to divert their time and attention to other more complex tasks. Robots can be employed in nearly every stage of the farming process imaginable—from seeding or planting, to irrigation and nutrient management, pollination, harvesting, as well as pest control! Whether they are tasked with precise seeding or the planting of crops, the robots utilise sensors and cameras which are capable of identifying optimal locations for planting as well as placing them accurately. These sensors and algorithms monitor plant health, moisture levels in addition to nutrient requirements, with the robotic systems then distributing the necessary water and nutrients accordingly, hence ensuring optimal growth conditions for plants.

 

This identification ability extends to being able to recognise ripe fruits or vegetables! Robotic arms and grippers are made use of in the harvesting of crops, and they can maneuver with enough precision to handle delicate produce, as well as perform cutting or picking actions. These robots are also useful in detecting and eliminating both pests and weeds without needing to resort to harmful chemicals. They do so via targeted spraying, thermal treatment, or mechanical removal to protect the crops!

 

4. Data Analytics

Robotics and automation can even help with collecting data and analysing it! Sensors and drones capture information such as temperature, humidity, and light levels, while robots can collect data on plant growth and development. This data is then analyzed and put into use to optimize growing conditions, detect anomalies, and make informed decisions for crop management.

 

5. Seafood Production

Singapore is also looking into expanding its local seafood production through fish farming and aquaculture. This includes both coastal and offshore fish farming, as well as the cultivation of high-value species like red snapper and barramundi. Much like indoor vegetable farms, urban fish farms try to create a controlled environment with the help of a high-tech tank, otherwise known as a closed containment system, which allows for a higher yield and precise control over a variety of elements including feed, oxygen levels as well as waste. This sort of closed system protects the farm’s fish from environmental hazards like water pollution and algal bloom, significantly raising their rate of survival, and providing a safe environment devoid of predators for them.

 

A sophisticated filtration system further creates ideal living conditions for the fish. Additionally, the tanks are designed to create a current for the fish to constantly swim against, resulting in a leaner, tastier fish. The use of video analytics to track behaviour like swimming patterns and skin lesions also helps make sure that the fish harvested are without disease and of the highest quality. 

 

6. Alternative Protein Sources

Singapore is further exploring alternative protein sources such as cultured meat and plant-based proteins as part of its food diversification strategy. If you’ve seen, heard of or even tried Impossible Meat, you likely have some idea of what these alternative protein sources are. Other viable alternative sources of protein include algae, fungi or even bacteria! By reducing our reliance on traditional livestock farming, Singapore aims to minimise land and water requirements while ensuring a sustainable protein supply.

 

The "30 by 30" goal reflects Singapore's commitment to building a resilient and sustainable food system. By leveraging technology, innovation, and diversification strategies, we are working toward enhancing our food security, reducing our carbon footprint, and creating a more self-sufficient and sustainable future for our population!

Topic:  DiscoveriesNatureScience

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