70 Farms in Lim Chu Kang to Get Final Lease Extension

It appears that farms over in Lim Chu Kang have gotten a new lease on life.

Like… literally.

70 Farms in Lim Chu Kang to Get Final Lease Extension

Initially due to move out by end-2021, 70 farms in Lim Chu Kang have procured a much-needed lease extension.

The decision was made after appeals by farmers. Apparently, the COVID-19 had disturbed relocation plans.

As such, these farms now have more time to relocate, though time remains constrained for some.

Farmers in the north of Lim Chu Kang lanes 3 and 5 will surely rejoice, as they will be getting a 14-month extension until end-February 2023.

Meanwhile, those in the south may not have as much cause for celebration, as their farms are mostly offered half of that. This is due to their land location, which would be needed for earlier redevelopment.

“The farmers are advised to use the remainder of their tenure to carry out their transition plans,” said the National Parks Board, Singapore Food Agency and Singapore Land Authority.

But Is Time Really The Only Issue Here?

Though several farms may say yes, others such as Jurong Frog Farm may disagree.

Despite a 14-month extension, the owners over at Jurong Frog Farm are still feeling the heat, as they have already failed two bids in recent land tenders.

“Actually, the options for us are quite limited,” said co-owner Chelsea Wan.

Though they have not ruled out the possibility of sharing land with other farms, they have also explored the worst-case scenario: changing its operations altogether.

In that case, it would abandon the raising of its own frogs, and instead, turn into a food processing operation that sells imported grown frogs.

Ironically, such a move could cost four times the estimated cost of relocation.

Yet, one can’t help but bemoan the circumstances, and how the move would likely erase educational tours in the long run.

“We’re receiving a lot of queries on small family visits, and we’re just hosting them according to how much our schedule can take, so that they can still see this part of Singapore, for those who haven’t been here,” she added.

Meanwhile, Farm 85 Trading has made up its mind to call it quits.

The decision comes after a failure to procure a new piece of land.

Having operated for the past three decades, the farm will be utilising its seven-month extension to formally close down its business.

They will also be using the time to clear out their stocks, and redeploy their workers.

Farm Closures

Unfortunately, farm closures have been getting more and more prevalent of late.

Back in January 2021, animal feeding farm The Animal Resort announced that they will be ceasing operations on 10 January 2021.

The decision was made in light of the farm’s inability to comply with NPark’s requirements – which reportedly required them to invest around S$250,000 to earn a 2-year extension.

The sum’s purportedly intended for the upkeep and maintenance of the place.

“Hence, hereby with a heavy heart, we are announcing that the last day of operations for “The Animal Resort” will be 10 Jan 2021,” said The Animal Resort.

Netizens subsequently paid tribute to The Animal Resort, a place that has evidently evoked many happy memories.

Some also seem resigned to the decision-making abilities of the government.

And in June 2020, Facebook user Jane Lee announced the imminent closure of her farmer supplier and importer, Oh Chin Huat Hydroponic Farms Pte Ltd.

According to Lee, the farmer supplier will be ceasing operations at the end of June, due to SLA’s decision to reclaim their land to “build houses”.

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Featured Image: Facebook (Singapore Food Agency (SFA))