Bollywood Farms, a heritage farm founded by Mrs. Ivy Singh-Lim, has unveiled a children’s book designed to inspire Singaporeans to grow their own food plants, even in high-rise living spaces. The book, titled Kampong Plants & Kampong Planting, was launched on Sunday, June 30, 2024, during the monthly Bollywood Farms Festival.
This 78-page book is a treasure trove of information, featuring a comprehensive listing of local food plants and their benefits, tips for growing them in limited spaces, and a variety of kampong recipes. Written by Carolyn Ortega, the author of The Bollywood Kampong Book 1 (2014), this second book from Bollywood Farms aims to deepen readers’ appreciation for countryside farms and the dedicated individuals who run them.
Bollywood Farms, previously known as Bollywood Veggies, was founded in 2000 and has since transformed into a sanctuary for city dwellers seeking a break from Singapore’s concrete jungle. Located in the Kranji Countryside, the 10-acre farm offers a range of activities beyond producing fresh, organic-friendly produce, including foraging classes, a farm-to-table restaurant, and educational tours about local kampong food produce.
With farmland accounting for only 1% of Singapore’s land and the government’s ambitious “30 by 30” goal approaching, there is an increasing need for strategic planning and innovative solutions to secure the future of Singapore’s farms and food security. Bollywood Farms’ new book aims to contribute to this goal by promoting the knowledge of local greenery and produce, while also encouraging visits to the farm to experience the joy and benefits of countryside living.
Kampong Plants & Kampong Planting is available for purchase exclusively at Bollywood Farms for $10. Additionally, the book is given for free to visiting children aged 7 to 12, encouraging the next generation to connect with nature and sustainable living.
