Think outside the box to boost farming yields

I refer to the report “Land for farms up for tender, a first in decades” (May 12). The Government has made a wise move. Food sufficiency and safety are important to Singapore. As with our defence, this is about survival.

We cannot rely too much on others, as the weather is difficult to predict nowadays, and so are people. If our supplies stop suddenly or prices rise, that would be a threat to us.

Many Singaporeans do not know how food is produced, or rather, how to produce food. More empty fields in housing estates should be opened up for temporary farming use at low or even no rent.

The state could save money on maintenance, and Singaporeans could discover the process and satisfaction of planting our own food.

Another area that could be used to grow vegetables is the side walls of public housing blocks, or even the roof of sheltered walkways.

And we must not always think that a smart nation is only about technology and automation.

Sometimes, traditional methods are efficient and better (Simple methods work for long-time Lim Chu Kang farmers; May 22).

If there is a crisis, we still have knowledge of traditional methods to help pull us through.

Technology and automation are suitable for mass-production farming and can save on manpower, electricity and water. Tall blocks can be used for planting lots of vegetables, using light-emitting diodes, and also for rearing chickens or even pigs.

But we must be prepared for any disruptions to these systems, so that technology and automation do not become a hindrance.