Ideas sought from public on how best to grow vegetables in high-rise apartment buildings
Esther Ng Today Online 21 Jan 12;
SINGAPORE - An Internet link about a DIY system which allows people to grow vegetables in high-rise apartments got Minister of State for National Development Lee Yi Shyan thinking: "Can we do the same in our HDB flats?"
"There are some 9,000 HDB blocks. With food security a challenge in land-scarce Singapore, surely there is potential to supplement our food supply through urban farming?" he said in a Facebook post yesterday.
He also called for ideas to grow vegetables on common corridors and within flats.
"It should be a DIY product, where residents can install it themselves and maintain it in a fuss-free way," Mr Lee said.
The best idea stands to win a cash prize of S$300. The initiative is part of the Ministry of National Development's "Cool Ideas for Better HDB Living".
Farmers Today spoke to lauded the idea, but noted that many of these vertical farming solutions such as hydroponics and vertical pot frames were not new, and that such practices would catch on more with retirees than working couples.
"Singaporeans are too comfortable about food, they don't understand food security ... And for the effort put in to grow vegetables, they would rather go to the supermarket," said Gardenasia's director Kenny Eng.
Depending on what type of vegetable is grown, it could take between 30 and 90 days before the next crop.
"It is possible to grow local vegetables like chye sim, kailan, kangkong and sprouts, but not cabbages and carrots, which need a colder climate", said Chiam Joo Seng Towgay Growers' director Thomas Tan.
Mr Eng thinks that growing herbs such as dill, coriander and rosemary in flats may be more practical than vegetables.
Singaporeans consumed 96 kg of vegetables per person in 2010, Minister for National Development Khaw Boon Wan said in a blog post yesterday. That was 2kg more than in 2009.
He also noted a "significant" shift in Singaporean's consumption preferences from fresh to frozen fish. From 2002 to 2010, frozen fish expanded its market share from 20 to 40 per cent.
"From the health view point, this preference for white meat is commendable," said Mr Khaw. "Even more commendable is the consumption for vegetables. At 96kg in 2010, vegetables exceeded all the meat items. As a former Health Minister and a vegetarian, I say: Well done, Singaporeans! Have a healthy year ahead."
The public has until April 30 to submit their "Cool Ideas for Growing Vegetables at Home" to hdbbri_innovation@hdb.gov.sg
Singaporeans love their vegetables
Per capita consumption (kg) 2010
Chicken 32
Pork 20
Beef 4
Mutton 2
Fish 21
Vegetables 96
