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212 Nature Contained 212 PPD Annual Report (1970), p. 1 The year 1970 saw steady progress and expansion in all fields of activity of the Primary Production Department. Efforts were channelled to further increase the efficiency of animal production in the Republic and maintain the status of self-sufficiency in pigs, poultry and eggs. Studies on various aspects of intensive forms of animal production were also carried out. The Meat Technology Unit was established with UNDP assistance at Jurong and the staff moved in the Laboratory in August 1970. In the field of fisheries, the number of fishing vessels calling at the Jurong Fishing Port continued to increase. Landings at the Jurong Auction Market also increased. Four factories were in operation during the year and several applications were received for sites at the Fishing Port for the establishment of processing plants and other shore installations. The ornamental fish export trade in 1970 was valued at $6.2 million, compared to $5.1 million in 1969. In view of competing uses for limited land resources, efforts were directed towards assisting Singapore farmers to increase productivity and reduce production costs. At the same time development projects were planned with the objective of developing the agricultural sector into a more viable component of the national economy. The pattern of Agriculture remained very much the same as for 1969 with accent on intensive market gardening and cut flowers. Initial experiments showed that leafy vegetables and sweet pepper could successfully and economically be grown under 1 These excerpts appeared as the introductions to the Annual Report of the Primary Production Department, which appeared yearly as a chapter in the Ministry of National Development Annual Report. Thanks to Puah You Kai for finding these materials. SOURCE 7 Agricultural Production in Singapore: Excerpts from Annual Reports of the Primary Production Department, Ministry of National Development from the 1970s and 1980s1 Agricultural Production in Singapore 213 hydroponic conditions. Export of cut orchid blooms continued to rise during the year and the value of exported flowers topped the million dollar mark for the first time. The Rural Development Division formed a vital link between the Department and the farming community by making available to farmers and fishermen scientific and up to date information on agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries. About 175,400 people (9 per cent of the total population) were actively engaged in agricultural activities or were indirectly dependent on farming and fishing for a livelihood. The Republic has since 1964 been self sufficient in poultry, eggs and livestock and presently 50 per cent of our vegetable needs and 30 per cent of our fish requirements are produced locally. With greater effort and improved productive capacity, the agricultural sector could provide a significant contribution towards greater economic prosperity. * * * MND Annual Report (1976), p. 16 To assist farmers to maximise returns from the limited agricultural land, the Primary Production Department renders technical advice and disseminates its research findings on ways of increasing or improving food production. These efforts have paid off as Singapore is self-sufficient in pork, poultry, meat and eggs although the number of farms licensed in 1976 was 15,022, a decrease of 594 farms from 1975 and the total farm holdings area reduced from 10,588 hectares to 10,370 hectares. With the exception of fish, Singapore’s primary production in 1976 increased over that of the previous year. Pig production increased by 180,000 heads (16.8%), chicken by 2,042,000 birds (7.9%), ducks by 873,000 birds (28.8%) and hen eggs by 42,888,000 pieces (9.2%). Dried tobacco leaves production increased substantially by 96 tonnes or 30.9% while the export value of ornamental fish, aquatic plants, orchid flowers and day-old chicks reached $34 million, a 13% increase. Vegetable, quail egg and crocodile production increased marginally. Fish production dropped by 1,131 tonnes (–6.4%). However, the value of last year’s production is only $474 million, a 3.5% drop over 1975’s figure of $491 million. This is due to the lower production value of pigs which fell by $42.4 million because of the drastic drop in prices brought about by a glut during the year. The annual average price of high grade porkers dropped to $215.92 per 100 kg from the previous year’s $295.60 per 100 kg. * * * MND Annual Report (1980), p. 21 The Primary Production Department is responsible for the implementation of Government policies on agricultural and fisheries development...

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