Title : Beyond high-tech: Finding the right solutions for sustainable vertical farming in Singapore
Abstract:
Singapore faces a pressing challenge in securing its food supply amidst rapid urbanization, climate change, and land scarcity. Historically reliant on food imports—constituting 90% of its consumption—the nation has aggressively pursued urban agriculture and vertical farming to bolster local food production. However, despite government incentives, high-tech farming faces persistent challenges, including high operational costs, limited scalability, and weak consumer demand. While local vegetable production fluctuated between 4.8% and 10% from 2000 to 2020, the economic contribution of local vegetable production remains minimal. With only 1% of land allocated for agriculture, farms struggle with high rental costs. Energy expenses are another major hurdle, as indoor vertical farms rely heavily on artificial lighting and climate control, driving up electricity costs. Additionally, the sector faces labour shortages, requiring specialized expertise that further inflates operational expenses. Despite substantial government support, funding remains a challenge. With private investment in agritech falling, and along with regulatory barriers business viability has slowed. Moreover, weak consumer demand for local produce exacerbates the struggle, with imports often undercutting local prices. An overreliance on technology without addressing business sustainability has led to mixed outcomes. Vegetable farms struggling under the weight of high-tech investments, fail to yield returns. The emphasis on cutting-edge farming fail to balance with practical, cost-effective strategies. To navigate these challenges, Singapore’s agritech sector must focus on scalable solutions and energy-efficient innovations. The Northern Agri-Tech and Food Corridor exemplifies efforts to create an integrated ecosystem supporting vertical farms, aquaculture, and livestock operations. However, long-term success requires more than just infrastructure development and technological advancements—it demands a holistic strategy that considers economic viability and consumer engagement. As Singapore pursues its ambitious 30x30 goal, will stronger public-private sectors collaboration and reliance on high-tech solutions, help it to overcome barriers and achieve sustainable vertical farming? The journey toward food resilience is complex, but with the right balance of innovation and practicality such as searching for the right technology, perhaps only then Singapore could build a sustainable vertical farming industry.
