SINGAPORE

Land-starved
Singaporeans are looking
towards the sky for a solution. Local scientists have
developed a new technology
to grow vegetables in the air
as part of a bid to produce
pesticide-free, quality claps
and reduce the country's
food import bill. 'Aeroponics' technology is the first
to be devised for large scale
crop production in the tropics. Under the new techno
logy, no soil will be required
for cultivation of plants.
Seedlings will be planted in
troughs made of styrofoam
with their roots suspended in
the air beneath all insulating
cover. The air will be cooled
with the help of machines to
simulate the conditions Of
the temperate and sub-tropical climate, favourable for
the growth of these plants.
"Initially, only temperate
Lind sub-tropical crops will
be produced begginning with
salad greens such as lettuce,
Chinese kale, spinach and
cocktail tomatoes." said
Ricky Lail, managing director Of Tropical Aeroponics Pvt Ltd.