Three Farms in Lim Chu Kang Ask for Lease Extensions

Three farms in Lim Chu Kang are asking to extend their leases.

Bollywood Farms, Gan Aquarium, and Gallop Kranji Farm Resort want to keep their land for a few more years.

Gallop Kranji Farm Resort's owner, Mani Shanker, said the government gave them enough time.

He asked for a little more time to continue their business before handing over the land.

This short extension is very important for the farms.

The three farms are in the southern part of Lim Chu Kang, which will change its land use.

The government will use the southern part for defense and move farms to the north.

Bollywood Farms and Gan Aquarium's leases end in 2026, while Gallop Kranji Farm Resort's ends in 2027.

Two other farms, Seng Choon and Malaysian Feedmills Farms, have leases until 2036 and 2037.

The authorities informed all affected farms early so they could plan ahead.

The Singapore Food Agency said the three farms were told no more lease renewals would be given.

Some farms questioned the need to leave within a year when others can stay longer.

There are no food farms in the north of Lim Chu Kang currently.

Bollywood Farms' owner, Mrs Ivy Singh-Lim, is asking for a three-year lease extension.

The farm was originally leased for 20 years, and the government gave two short extensions.

Mrs Singh-Lim wants to stay in her home, which is on the farm, for a few more years.

She built a special toilet for her wheelchair-bound husband.

She wants to live in the house until she is 80 years old.

Then, she plans to move to a retirement home.

She does not need to find another place to live before moving to the retirement home.

Mrs Singh-Lim is confident she will get an extension and has written to her MP.

She will not leave until she knows what the land will be used for.

She asked what the defense ministry will do with the land.

If the government really needs the land, she will move out.

If not, she has no plans to leave.

The farm also hosts educational events for students.

The government should be careful not to close too many farms.

The Singapore Food Agency is considering Bollywood Farms' request for an extension.

Gallop Kranji Farm Resort's owner, Mr Shanker, wants people to experience village life.

The resort has farmland and more than 30 tenants.

Mr Shanker thinks Singapore needs a place like his resort.

He wants to extend the lease until 2030.

He believes the extra years will be good for business and for people to enjoy the resort.

It would be better than leaving the land empty for a few years.

Mr Shanker thinks it is not just about business, but about people enjoying the resort.

Gan Aquarium's owner, Mr Gan, is concerned his land will be left unused.

He questioned the need to move out this year when other farms can stay longer.

He asked why the government cannot let all the farms continue.

Mr Gan can carry on his business and produce different things.

He breeds fish and has dedicated years to his work.

He believes what he does is important and adds value to Singapore's fish species.

If no extension is granted, he may have to close his business.

The government wants to explore how food and non-food farms can benefit from shared facilities.

The Singapore Food Agency will consider requests for extensions on a case-by-case basis.

The Ministry of Defence will start reinstatement works as early as 2030.

Farms can participate in the Singapore Agri-space Sales programme to continue operations.

Food farms can apply for the Agri-food Cluster Transformation Fund.

Non-food farms can opt for the National Parks Board's land tenders.

Seng Choon farm is making plans after the news about the land-use changes.

The farm will continue operating at its current site until the end of its tenure.

Seng Choon will work with authorities to secure a new site.

The farm has invested in artificial intelligence and automation.

The farm appreciates the government's early notice, which gives them time to plan.

Seng Choon sees the transition as an opportunity to design a new facility.

The new facility will integrate emerging technologies like solar photovoltaics.

The farm's priority is to ensure continuity for customers and employees.

Seng Choon appreciates any available government grants to support its transition.

Malaysian Feedmills Farms has no plans yet, given its lease expires in 2037.

The farm's owner, Mr Saw, used to do egg farming but stopped 10 years ago.

Now, he focuses on a food waste recycling endeavour.

Mr Saw is 80 years old and will use the next 11 years to continue recycling food waste.

He thinks it is a meaningful hobby that can cut costs and reduce waste.

Imperial Arowana Breeding Farm's owner, Mr Sim, is not worried about the lease expiry.

He acknowledged it will be challenging to find a new place for Arowana fish breeding.

Arowana fish need space to find partners, date, and lay eggs.

It is an issue of cost and space for Mr Sim.

He plans to continue operations at the current location until the lease expires.

He is not expecting any extensions, as the lease periods are already laid out.

Mr Sim thinks if the government gives them a lease extension, it would be a bonus.

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