Industry players emphasised that buying from local farmers helps improve the nation’s food security.
“Singapore is not an agricultural country like many other countries, but we need to start to think about that (food security),” said Dr Kevin Cheong, adjunct lecturer at School of Singapore Management University’s Lee Kong Chian Business Business School.
He added the issue was brought to the forefront during the COVID-19 pandemic when food security was a major concern given that Singapore imports over 90 per cent of its food.
“It’s not just about buying local, but understanding why we do it. (We) need to start from young,” he added.
WISH LIST FOR MORE SPACE
Another way to continue building the fish farming sector is to attract younger workers, said Dr Cheong.
The Fish Farmer’s Mr Ong said that he has observed more young people gaining interest in farming. His firm has had some youths write in to ask for internships and jobs, he said.
One of the reasons is that they are keen to know the origins of the food they are consuming and whether it is being responsibly farmed, he said, adding this is a positive development for the industry.
He also hopes to be allocated more land to rear baby fish in his own hatchery so that they are stronger.
“Right now, we fly the fish in, so it’s very stressful for the baby fish,” he said.
The government’s plan also involves boosting the local supply of genetically superior eggs and fingerlings.
“I strongly believe that we can produce fish that is competitive, fresh, safe, and it’s good for the market, but we do need additional sea space in order for us to produce more fish for the local market,” said Mr Ong.
