Singapore Peak Oil

Our neighbour is planning to increase their food production. What is Singapore doing besides diversifying our food imports? I know that Singapore land is limited, but relying almost 100% on food imports is not a good long term solution to possible supply disruptions caused by peak oil, wars, or climate change. Nations are already hoarding food supplies to feed their own populations by curbing exports. What can we do to increase local food production? Here is a possible solution: Vertical Farming.

http://www.todayonline.com/articles/248664.asp

KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian government is planning strategies to boost food production in the hopes of reducing the country's reliance on food imports and controlling inflation, an official said yesterday.

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A Cabinet panel led by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has been set up to tackle rising consumer prices, said Second Finance Minister Nor Mohamed Yakcop. The authorities believe it is crucial for Malaysia to be more self-sufficient in its food output.

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"This is because we know that in the long run, inflation related to food products will remain for some time," Mr Nor Mohamed was quoted as saying by national news agency Bernama.

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Malaysia's inflation rate accelerated to 2.7 per cent in February compared to 2.3 per cent in January — partly because of rising food prices.

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The minister did not say what food products would be targeted. But officials have said in recent weeks that they are worried about rice in the wake of a global surge in the commodity's prices.

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The government gives financial aid to rice farmers, who produce about 70 per cent of the country's rice needs. Malaysia imports the rest from its neighbours such as Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia.

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The agriculture ministry has said it needs RM6 billion ($2.57 billion) to cultivate new rice fields and improve infrastructure to boost rice production. — AP