HYDROPONICS (Results of experiments)

Mr Cheong Yuen Chee asked the Minister for National Development and Communications when the public will be told of the results of the experiments that have been conducted for so many years on hydroponics so that this method of cultivation can be commercialised.

Mr Lim Kim San: Mr Speaker, Sir, the results of the experiments conducted by the Primary Production Department on hydroponics have been widely publicised over the last two years by the press, Radio and Television Singapore and in publications such as the Primary Production Bulletin and the Singapore Journal of Primary Industries. An Agriculture Handbook which is being sold to members of the public at $2.50 per copy gives a full account on the setting up of a commercial hydroponic farm.

The Primary Production Department would provide technical advice and help to those who are interested to invest in the hydroponic culture of vegetables.

Commercial production of vegetables by the hydroponic method of cultivation has already begun. The one-acre farm established by the Ministry of Defence has been operating successfully over the last two years. Another two-acre commercial unit will soon commence production. This is run by the Primary Industries Enterprise Co, and it will be sited in Punggol.

The Government has also made available 40 acres of land at Sernbawang to be leased to interested persons for commercial hydroponics farming. To-date, eight acres of land have been leased out and production will begin shortly. Those who are interested may apply to the Primary Production Department.

Mr Ivan Baptist: Mr Speaker, Sir, can the Minister tell us how profitable this method of cultivation is when compared with the normal method?

Mr Lim Kim San: Some of them have just begun production. I have no figures of the one run by the Ministry of Defence. Obviously the business-minded people must have made their calculations and estimated it to be profitable. Otherwise we would not have been able to lease out eight acres of land for hydroponics farming.