While some farmers spend sleepless nights guarding their crops against wild animals or worrying about the change in weather and pest infestations, not the same can be said for Tan Tean Chee.

“The past 18 years have been a nightmare,” Tan said, as he fought to hold back his tears.

“There was one morning when I sat in a daze, with my phone in my hand. Once it rang, I knew something was wrong...