Agriculture in Singapore is centered around Agrotechnology Parks. These are modern agriculture estates. There are six such parks in Singapore. They are located at Lim Chu Kang, Murai, Sungei Tengah, Nee Soon, Mandai, and Loyang. These six parks cover a land area of 1465 hectares. More than 200 farms have been allocated 700 hectares. This allows for the production of livestock, eggs, milk, food fish, vegetables, fruits, the breeding of birds and dogs as well as the growing of orchids, ornamental and aquatic plants. For visitors it would be worthwhile to find a travel guide Singapore to learn more about this fascinating concept.

With the development of these advanced technologies and techniques Singapore has prepared to export their products to other countries in the region. The unique cultural experiences is preparing Singapore to enter and be competive in the large Asian market.

Singapore has 75, out of the 200 farms designated, for aquarium fish along with five other farms to produce foodfish. Livestock has been allocated 25 farms while there are 52 vegetable farms and 69 farms devoted to orchids and other ornamental products.

Similar to the United States and other countries, Singapore has witnessed urbanization and industrialization. This has resulted in the loss of significant agricultural land. Singapore once dominated rubber and coconut plantations. Today both of these have basically disappeared. They have made room for a growing population resulting in the need for additional housing as well as factories for the workers. Today agriculture still remains a part of Singapore’s total economic activity. However, it is still reported that agriculture, including fishery, accounts for just 0.2 per cent of the GDP while employing 0.2 per cent of the workforce.

Aside from the Agrotechnology Parks there is also a small fishing industry. This includes small fleet and marine fish farms. Additionally, there has been some move toward greenhouse production to grow certain fruits and vegetables. However, this is just for domestic use and it has not successfully grown; therefore, it remains small. Orchids for domestic and export markets is still popular.

In the late 1980’s there were 2075 licensed farms although they occupied only 2037 hectares of land. Still, the total output amounted to S$362 million worth of farm produce. In the early 1980’s the government began phasing out all forms of pig farming. This caused 200 pig farms to close. The same happened with chickens and ducks. In recent times Singapore has turned its attention more toward the Agrotechnology Parks.

What is agricultural research? It is the research done by a group of professionals to find the best organic foods and information on how to grow them and where to find them. The environment is hurting, and getting into growing foods locally can really make a difference. With agricultural research, people can purchase fresh foods that are not treated with posionous insecticides, and farm animals are free of steriods or any other harmful chemicals.

Studies have proven that farm animals treated with steroids can adversely affect the human being after ingestion. This can cause illness, birth defects and possibly death. Making certain the foods you purchase are not treated can greatly reduce your risk of these terrrible issues. Agricultural research also aids in creating a better environment for the farm animals. Keeping the animals stress free will produce a much better edible meat, milk or eggs, depending on what type of farm animal is kept in a facility.

Some genetic engineering has been performed to produce bigger animals thus producing more meat. If this can be done without harming the people who will be eating this meat, it will be approved as a safe practice. Agricultural research is for the consumer’s protection.