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.
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