Singapore launches urban agriculture projects to expand local food supply
In the face of severe disruption to the global supply chains caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, countries are already reassessing their dependency on imports to feed their populations. Singapore, imports over 90% of the food consumed by its 5.6 million residents, with Malaysia supplying 39% of the total. The country’s government has announced new measures to accelerate local food production, including the establishment of urban gardens on roofs and terraces, according to Reuters.
The government spokesperson said,
“The current COVID-19 pandemic underscores the importance of local food production, as part of Singapore’s strategies to ensure food security. Local food production mitigates our dependence on imports and provides a buffer in the event of interruptions in the food supply.”
One issue that Singapore must overcome is its land shortage. Only 1% of the country’s 724 square kilometres is dedicated to agriculture. As such, the Singapore Food Agency is identifying suitable locations such as industrial areas. At the same time, it has launched a tender for rooftop gardens in public housing parking lots for urban agriculture.
