Rooting for urban produce

THIS WEEK'S TOPIC: Can Singapore go big on agriculture? What is needed to encourage high-tech farming here?

Toh See Kiat Director, Edition Ltd Chairman/Director Goodwins Law Corporation

IF DESERTS can produce high-quality fruits, vegetables and flowers (like in Israel) - yes, Singapore can go big on agriculture. Technology is already available which allows farmers to control crop quality and to produce greater yield from the same acreage. More generous grants for research and development; grants to help in energy and technology acquisition costs; a light-handed bureaucracy empathetic towards farmers; and fewer regulations (such as import and building rules for the infrastructure that has to be installed) - these will encourage more intrepid souls to plough in this field. We can then export the technology, and not just the crops, we raise.