LAND FOR NON-POLLUTIVE FARMING

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for National Development what acreage of State land has been tendered out for non-pollutive farming activities as at the latest convenient date and where, and how many more parcels and acreage of land will be tendered out.

Dr Lee Boon Yang (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, with the development of Agrotechnology Parks at Loyang, Tampines, Jalan Kayu, Nee Soon, Mandai, Sungei Tengah, Hong Kah, Murai, Ama Keng and Lim Chu Kang, about 1,500 hectares of land will be made available for non-pollutive farming. The land will be allocated in phases as and when the infrastructural works are completed. As at 31st December 1987, 40 plots of land at Sungei Tengah, Murai and Loyang totalling 137 hectares have been allocated by tenders for intensive high-tech farming.

In addition, with the phasing out of pig farming in Jalan Kayu and Punggol, about 180 hectares of land will be available for short-term non-pollutive farming on three-year tenancy agreements. In these two areas, 49 plots totalling 60 hectares have been tendered out.

Mr Ng Kah Ting: Sir, could the Minister of State enlighten the House how successful has been the tendering of these plots of land for non-pollutive farming activities?

Dr Lee Boon Yang: Mr Speaker, Sir, in the tendering exercises, the response has been very good. Of the 40 plots that have been tendered out, 38 plots of land have been allocated to local farmers who have been successful in their bid and who have made plans to start up their farms. The other two plots have been tendered out to local companies who are interested in diversifying into agri-business.

Mr Ng Kah Ting: Sir, in this case, could the Minister of State indicate what main farming activity is being carried out?

Dr Lee Boon Yang: Mr Speaker, Sir, a variety of farming activities is allowed on these plots of land. They range from cultivation of vegetables and food crops to orchids and ornamental plants. There is even a tender for one plot of land to be used for aquarium fish, bird and dog breeding. Other uses include 10 plots of land that have been tendered out for turf production on a three-year tenancy agreement.