SINGAPORE – 62 farms located in the Lim Chu Kang areas have had their tenures renewed to the end of 2019.
The Government had earlier informed these farms that their leases would be expiring next year and that the land was to be used for redevelopment. The farmers were also informed that the new farm sites would be available for tender by the end of last year.
However, due to the extensive land preparation works required for these new sites, the leases have been extended to allow for a sufficient transition time for farmers.
Additionally, all new agricultural land will now be leased for 20 years, instead of the previously announced 10 years. This policy change comes as the Government emphasises its commitment to supporting local farmers and local food production.
Ms Tan Poh Heng, CEO of Agri-food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) said: “In order for our agriculture sector to grow, it is important for us to understand our farms’ challenges and concerns. AVA has been engaging our local farms regularly and farmers have given us feedback that investing in technology and automation requires a longer pay back period.”
“The longer 20-year lease tenure will provide more certainty to farms and enable them to invest in intensive, highly productive technologies that operate on minimal manpower,” she added.
prabukm@sph.com.sg
