#WhatMakesSG – Digital Farming

This year is Singapore #SG53. NatGeo is celebrating it with a campaign called #WHATMAKESSG. They are gathering response from the public to determine what makes Singapore one of the most diverse, dynamic and innovative countries on the planet?

The photo competition has recently gone viral and you probably saw the winning entry with the Otter enjoying it catch with MBS as background.

Wildlife in an Urban Jungle (NatGeo: KANG YEN THIING )

But this is not why I’m writing this post. Part of the campaign has a report on how Singapore is leading the world in Hydroponics Farming. Yes. Hydroponics! You can read the reports from this link. Sadly, the whole report did not have much new information with alot of mentioning to Sustenir Agriculture. Yes. The same company on the strawberry farming…..

Nevertheless, its a good development for hydroponics farming in an urban environment!

Commercial Hydroponics Strawberry Farm in Singapore

(Photo Credits: CNA Strawberry Farm)

A local farm (Sustenir Agriculture) has announced that they have successfully “crack the code” to farming Strawberry indoor using hydroponics system by controlling the temperature.

If you are wondering, yes, they are using the Ebb n Flow (EBB) system. To find out more on the EBB system, read this post.

The interesting news-worthy part is that they are using high technology like robotics to germinate and transplant the seedlings. You might be wondering, how are they pollinating the flower? Are the robots able to take over this tedious task of growing Strawberry indoor when we do not have natural pollinators?

Sorry to say, they are also doing it manually.

Romaine Lettuce Warning

CDC in the United States posted a warning on an outbreak of E.Coli on romaine lettuce grown around Yuma, Arizona. The warning say all consumers should throw away all romaine lettuce originated from Yum and it includes whole heads and hearts of romaine lettuce, in addition to chopped romaine and salads and salad mixes containing romaine.

When visiting a restaurant, do check with the establishment if they are using any from romaine lettuce grown in Yuma. If in doubts, do not order any dish that uses romaine lettuce as an ingredient.

How bad is it?

Apparently, 53 people have been infected (dated 20th April) with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 from 16 states. 31 people have been hospitalized, including five people who have developed a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome. No deaths have been reported yet.

In a nutshell, if you are living or visiting the US this period, please stay away from romaine lettuce grown in Yuma.

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