The uncertain future of local farming has resurfaced recently, and a total of 62 farms in the Kranji area have around a year more before having to make way for the Ministry of Defence, who will use the vacated plots for military training. Although the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore have offered smaller farm sites at Sungei Tengah and Lim Chu Kang for public tender, some farmers have voiced concerns about rental costs, the size of the plots, the length of the leases, and also the “lack of clarity” from authorities in a Channel News Asia report.
While we watch these developments unfold, you can still make your way down to the rustic enclave. Here are some tours—and even farm stays—that are open to public.
Bollywood Veggies
Bollywood Veggies
This education vegetable farm, fronted by feisty “gentle warrior” Ivy Singh-Lim, produces edible plants sans environmentally-damaging chemicals. Bollywood Veggies offers greens used commonly in Southeast Asian cuisine, such as tapioca, bitter gourd and lady’s finger, which you can sample through local and fusion dishes at their bistro.
D’Kranji Farm Resort
Billing itself as Singapore’s first and only Agri-tainment farm, D’Kranji Farm Resort is a cluster of 35 villas offering farm stays, with adjoining facilities like prawning ponds, a spa, and also a cafe, restaurant and beer garden. There are also activities such as yoga and archery for guests, and tours of their 1.5 hectare plantations are available too.
Hay Dairies
While you’re here, drop by the only goat farm in Singapore. Hay Dairies has been producing fresh goat milk since 1988 and the farm offers free and easy tours of its premises for individuals of groups of less than 20 people between 9am-4pm. Larger groups will be charged an entrance fee that includes an educational tour package.
Jurong Frog Farm
Another education farm in the area is the famed Jurong Frog Farm, which started supplying American bullfrogs for consumption in the ‘70s. It’s open to public on weekends and public holidays, and besides learning all about the amphibians, visitors can also tuck into dishes like deep fried frog meat and crocodile nuggets on site. Booking is required for groups of more than 20.
Max Koi Farm
This ornamental fish farm breeds Japanese kois for hobbyists using the most advanced techniques. For fish enthusiasts, it’s also where you can check out arowanas, prized for their brightly colored, bony scales.
Thow Kwang Industry
Nestled among vegetable and livestock farms is this 51 year-old traditional pottery kiln, which houses one of the oldest surviving brick-built kilns in Singapore where ceramicware are made using wood-firing methods. You can sign up for a guided tour of the studio, or try your hand at pottery at one of their workshops.
More information can be found here.
