The Primary Production Department (PPD) was formed in 1959 to provide a coordinated approach to developing and regulating the local farming and fishing industry. There are five Divisions in PPD namely, the Agriculture Division, Veterinary division, Co-operative Division, Fisheries Division and the Rural Division. During the 1960s, PPD focused on improving the livelihood of the farmers by providing extension services and various schemes to assist the farming industry. For example educating farmers on matters relating to agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries, commencing on research and development in areas such as production methods, breeding techniques, nutrition and disease control. In the 1970s, farmers were re-settled from the water catchment sites, which were affected by public projects. Larger commercial farms using more intensive methods of production replaced the subsistence type farms. An intensive pig farming estate was also developed in Punggol to house relocated pig farms. Such intensive production enabled Singapore to maintain self-sufficiency in the production of poultry (80%), eggs (100%) and pork (104%). During the 1970s, Comprehensive programmes for disease diagnosis; monitoring and control were initiated to cope with the development of larger farms and more intensive production of animals and plants. Laboratory techniques were constantly upgraded. PPD's research and development work geared towards intensive production of selected primary produce to optimise land and manpower resources. Research findings were imparted to farmers. The Jurong Fishing Port was upgraded to cater for increased port and market activities. The abattoir facilities were upgraded and a new meat technology laboratory was set up to ensure that meat and meat products were wholesome and safe for consumption.
