Unit 12: High-Tech Farming

Do you like to eat these….

… or these watermelons?

The Sunday Times, July 12 2009

Note You are to fill in the blanks in your

notes. The answers are found in the slides and

are highlighted in red.

What is High-Tech Farming? High-tech farming is a -knowledge-based agricultural system -makes use of technology to increase the value and quality of the farm’s produce.

Quality ,

Value

It uses computer technology and automation to manage processes such as watering, fertilizing and pest control to ensure high-quantity and high-quality outputs.

Distribution of High-Tech Farming

High-tech farming usually takes place in or around densely populated urban areas where land is limited and costly.

It is practiced extensively in Europe, North America, and countries such as Japan and Singapore in Asia.

Characteristics

• Purpose

• Inputs

• Outputs

Purpose

Outputs produced in high-tech farming are mainly for commercial purposes.

They are either sold locally or exported overseas.

Inputs

• High-tech farming requires high capital inputs. Initial set-up cost of high-tech farms can be as much as a few million dollars.

• Technology: hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaculture and tissue culture.

AeroponicsHydroponics

• Shelters and Greenhouses: to create condition close to ideal for plant growth.

• Research and Development: continual improvement of existing technologies, to know the needs of the market and to meet market demands.

• Computers and Automation devices: to automatically adjust the temperature and amount of moisture in the special buildings to suit the growth of crops or animals.

Outputs

• Variety of high-quality outputs are produced.

•Some examples if outputs include: vegetables, flowers, fruits, ornamental fish,eggs and other diary products.

Example: Singapore

•High-tech farming is carried out in agrotechnology parks.

•These agrotechnology parks are located in

Murai, Lim Chu Kang, Sungei Tengah, Mandai, Nee Soon and Loyang.

•The agrotechnology parks are about 1500 hectares in size.

•They produce a variety of outputs such as fruits and vegetables, ornamental plants,ornamental fish,aquatic plants,orchids and other flowers.

Benefits• Release farmland for other uses• Higher harvests and income• More vegetables consumed by Singaporeans grown locally

Challenges•There are some constraints faced by high-tech farmers. •High-tech farming requires high capital investment.

• Competition from imported fruits and vegetables which are cheaper

•shortage of trained workers to work in these high-tech farms.

Methods to Curb Challenges•High-tech farmers can venture into agribusiness by

•offering educational programs •opening restaurants •provide farm-stays

Impacts on the Environment •More environmentally friendly than soil-based farming.

⁻ Nutrients are in solution. They can be easily absorbed directly by the roots of the plants rather than seeping into the soil.

-Minimal effect on the environment.

⁻ Pesticides are seldom used. Instead, the crops are protected by netting or placed in greenhouses to keep out pests and insects.

•Helps to conserve land and water resources.

-HDB Style Farming: Crops are grown in troughs that can be placed on top of one another to minimize wastage of land space.

-Controlled amounts of water is supplied directly to the plants’ roots, thus wastage of water is minimized.

• High-tech farms are usually located close to markets. Thus less fuel is used in transportation of goods.

• Production of crops is done closely in relation to market demands. This helps to minimize overproduction or wastage of resources.

Assignment! Go to the supermarket!

Find an agricultural product that is Made in Singapore

Find out HOW this product is grown: Hydroponics? Traditional Methods?

You may use the internet for this! Submit by taking a picture, and posting

on our tumblr page