Climate change and food security
As temperatures rise due to climate change, Singapore races to find solutions to secure its food supply with the use of technology.
Who initiated this project in which rice is germinated in greenhouse and transplanted to high tech verticalfarm built against the wall of a HDB flat?
When was the rice harvested?
Where is this vertical farm located?
What are the advantages of using a
precision drip irrigation system where water and nutrients were delivered in suitable amounts to the rice's roots?
Why are the Temasek Rice able to withstand tough weather conditions such as heat, drought and floods?
Singapore imports more than 90 per cent of its food and has set a target of producing 30 per cent of its nutritional needs by 2030.
More frequent bouts of extreme weather - both dry and wet affect rice production negatively.
In 2019, Thailand experienced the lowest amount of rain for a decade, causing severe water shortages. The Mekong River fell to record low levels and rice cultivation suffered significantly.
Increased rainfall over 2021 improved overall yields, it still resulted in widespread damage in many regions as the more intense rain cause rice fields to be flooded and rice plant to rot.
Only 26 per cent of the 8.1 million agricultural households in Thailand have access to irrigation system. With the majority of those farmers being ageing small operators with little education or access to technology, climate change is also expected to increase income inequalities.
Interactive on rice and climate change in Thailand
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/interactives/rice-and-climate-crisis-thailand-special-report-2636776
