Projected Increase in Water Demand and Usage to Support "30 by 30" Goal to Raise Local Food Production
Ministry of Sustainability and the EnvironmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns MP Shawn Huang Wei Zhong’s inquiry regarding the projected increase in water demand and its impact on supply and cost to support the "30 by 30" local food production goal. Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that the Singapore Food Agency leverages the Lim Chu Kang Master Plan and the $60 million Agri-Food Cluster Transformation Fund to promote resource-efficient agri-technologies. She noted that technologies like water recirculation can reduce usage by 95% and that resource estimates are regularly reviewed as the sector matures. PUB collaborates with agencies to ensure water infrastructure remains ahead of demand while adopting energy-efficient technology to enhance productivity and maintain affordability. These measures aim to support the agri-food industry’s growth towards meeting 30% of Singapore’s nutritional needs sustainably by 2030.
Transcript
16 Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment in view of the "30 by 30" goal to raise local food production (a) what is the projected increase in water demand and usage to support this goal; and (b) what will be the expected impact on the supply and cost of water.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: Under the "30 by 30" goal, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) will work closely with the agri-food industry to grow the capabilities and capacity of the local agri-food sector to sustainably produce a variety of food types to meet 30% of Singapore’s nutritional needs by 2030. Through initiatives, such as the Lim Chu Kang Master Plan and $60 million Agri-Food Cluster Transformation (ACT) Fund, SFA supports the growth of the sector to become highly productive, climate-resilient and resource-efficient.
Given our limited natural resources, our agri-food sector will need to be productive and sustainable by tapping on technologies that use less water and energy. For example, Sustenir Agriculture, an indoor vegetable farm, adopts technology that re-circulates water for reuse, thereby allowing it to use 95% less water than a traditional farm. As agri-technologies mature, SFA will regularly review resource estimates, including water demand.
PUB works closely with agencies to understand industries’ demands for water and ensure that our water infrastructure remains ahead of demand to meet Singapore’s water needs. PUB will continue to improve cost efficiency and ensure that water remains affordable by leveraging more energy-efficient technology and enhancing productivity.