PRODUCTION
ments. During the winter months a wide range of European type vegetables are grown bringing a much needed supply of fresh food to the local markets. During the summer months, the range of vegetables is limited and Hong Kong is then dependent to a much greater extent on imported supplies. The varieties, quantities and value of the business are set out in the marketing section.
Water Chestnuts. This crop was extended from some 84 acres in 1952, to 700 acres in 1953, and yields up to 60 piculs per dau chung (0.16 of an acre) in favoured areas.
The average yield is about 30 piculs per dau chung and the cash return $50.00 per picul. The crop is grown under the same condi- tions as paddy and has supplanted the second rice crop to the extent of the acreage recorded. The crop is grown primarily for processing and export to the United States of America.
Farming Methods and Organization. Farmers either raise vegetables for the local market or grow rice for subsistence, rent and cash for surplus production. Vegetable farming is conducted on very small holdings of a few mows, cultivation is intensive and labour is from family sources.
Rice is pro- duced on somewhat larger holdings by families for subsistence, either as independent holders or as sub-lessees. Most rice farmers supplement their incomes by growing vegetables on a portion of the area after the harvesting of the second crop of rice.
Where supplies of irrigation water are adequate two crops of rice are grown. Within recent years a portion of the area following the first rice crop is set aside for the cultivation of water chestnuts and the remainder goes down to second rice crop varieties.
Following the second crop of rice, vegetables are planted up if soil and water conditions allow; otherwise the land is left fallow. Where water supply is inadequate, for reasons
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