Farmers to study in Singapore

PADANG, West Sumatra: About 20 farmers and civil servants from West Sumatra are leaving for Singapore on a study tour to develop agriculture and public-assisted growth in the province.

A senior official of local administration, Prof. Dr. Muchlis Muchtar, said the visit involved five farmers who were interested in studying organic agricultural systems.

This cooperation followed a recent visit of Singapore and Malaysian investors to the province to get first-hand information about its potential for agriculture, tourism, mining and other natural resources, he said.

Muchtar said the investors were interested in strengthening existing business relationships, creating partnerships and offering free training seminars.

This cooperation included the development of a Ngarai Sianok bridge, a Padang-Dumai toll road and development in the coal mining and fishery sectors. -- Antara