Singapore is one of the smallest countries in the world. Hence, many people assume that agricultural activities are out of the 1) question. However, when we find creative 2) solutions to tackle the problem of land scarcity, we will be empowered to turn obstacles into opportunities.

Integrated farming systems are one of the 3) various / several ways used to combat land scarcity. Aquaponics 4) is frequently used in these systems. Just what does aquaponics 5) entail / involve? It combines the 6) best of both worlds — aquaculture (fish rearing) and hydroponics (cultivating plants in nutrient solution). 7) By doing so, aquaponics not only removes the need for soil, but also reduces water consumption. The fish waste is 8) converted into useful nutrients for the plants to absorb, while plants purify the water, allowing it to be reused. Talk about killing two 9) birds with one stone!

Singapore authorities have set a 10) goal / target to produce 20% of the citizens’ fibre needs by 2035. Schools like Yishun Primary School have come on board to 11) support this national initiative. At Yishun Primary School, students get first-hand 12) experience transplanting kangkung and Brazilian seedlings and observing the movements of the red tilapia. This helps to instill a love of nature in them as they witness how different organisms coexist in 13) harmony. Who knows? Some of them might just aspire to become farmers in the future.

In all, Singapore’s clever use of modern 14) technologies like hydroponics has helped it circumvent its land scarcity challenge. It embodies the Growth Mindset because it showcases the citizens’ 15) determination / resolve / resilience as they work tirelessly to find novel strategies and not give up.