SINGAPORE — The consistent presence of greenery found alongside concrete buildings in Singapore, and the buzz of a mall, were what caught the attention of farmers from the state of Andhra Pradesh in India.

Mr Kalyan Chakravarthi Polu, 28, is hoping to build apartments and malls back home. If he does, he wants to incorporate greenery to beautify the surroundings, just as it is done in Singapore. He is also here to learn how to implement systems related to waste management and drainage techniques, among other things.

After visiting Our Tampines Hub on Thursday (Nov 30), fellow farmer Gadde Butchi Tirupati Rao, 46, wants to build a similar hub in India. “I like the concept... It is a place where communities can gather, there is a library, people can watch movies, or study here. I want to build something like this back home,” he said of what he saw.

(L - R) Kalyan Chakrawarthi Polu, 28, and Gadde Butchi Tirupati Rao, 46. They are part of a group of farmers from Andhra Pradesh who visited Our Tampines Hub on Thursday (Nov 30) as a follow-up to the Memorandum of Understanding signing between Singapore and Andhra Pradesh. Photo: Nuria Ling/TODAY

The two men are part of a group of 34 farmers here for a four-day study trip. Following a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was signed between Singapore and Andhra Pradesh in May, the two parties are to share expertise in areas such as urban governance and education.

Singapore has also submitted a master plan to guide the development of Amravati, the new capital of Andhra Pradesh, up to 2050. The 220 sq km capital city will be carved out on the banks of the Krishna River, between the existing cities of Vijayawada and Guntur.

The commercial district of Amaravati will be developed in a major 20-year construction project from next year onwards, and the farmers will be part of these efforts.

Walking through Singapore’s streets, the farmers also commented on the law-and-order climate here, saying it is a refreshing change from how it is back home.

Richard Kwok (in black), 66, venue manager of the Community Eco Garden at Our Tampines Hub, talks about the kang kong plant to farmers from Andhra Pradesh. Photo: Nuria Ling/TODAY

Mr Rao said: “There are very few cops walking around the streets, but cameras are everywhere, so they are always observing you. In India, cops are everywhere, but things are not implemented.”

A series of four trips have been arranged for more than 120 farmers between October and February and this is the second group so far.

They will visit various areas in Singapore, such as parks, public housing estates, and heartland malls.

Mr Eric Tan, director of the Amaravati Partnership Office at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, said: “The farmers will be able to see how we integrate our residential, commercial and community spaces. They will also gain a better appreciation of how, despite rapid urbanisation, we have managed to preserve heritage buildings, green spaces and waterways.”