Assistance and Compensation for Farmers Affected by expansion of Tengah Airbase

17 Mr Alex Yam asked the Minister for National Development how will farmers affected by the land acquisition for the expansion of Tengah Airbase be (i) assisted and (ii) compensated.

The Second Minister for National Development (Mr Desmond Lee) (for the Minister for National Development): I add my voice to congratulate Mr Speaker on your election.

Sir, the four affected owners will receive market value compensation for these acquired land, in accordance with the Land Acquisition Act. Singapore Land Authority officers have already contacted the affected owners and will assist them through the land acquisition process.

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) and the National Parks Board (NParks) will also provide support for those who wish to continue their businesses. There will be specific officers assigned to each establishment. They will advise owners on relocation options, business development and technology adoption.

For instance, owners can apply for AVA's Agriculture Productivity Fund and NParks' Landscape Productivity Grant. Both schemes offer co-funding for technology investments. There are also the Standards, Productivity and Innovation Board schemes like the Capability Development Grant that these establishments can tap on.