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HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT
resources. The Department gives technical advice and assistance to farmers, fishermen, administrators and others, and, by afforestation and the teaching and demonstration of approved farming and forestry practices, encourages the conservation of vital water supplies, soil and soil fertility. The Director of the Department is a member of the Rural Development Committee, referred to earlier, under Land Utilization. Each Division is under a fully-qualified technical officer, and the staff includes 18 assistants and supervisors holding degrees from various Chinese universities.
A broad policy for the development of agriculture and animal industries was submitted to the Government by the Director and accepted in principle towards the close of the year. This policy envisages the improvement of irrigation and communications throughout the New Territories, planned settlement of undeveloped land, the diversification of farming to include the extension of animal industries, a soil survey of the Colony, and planned experimental work directed to the introduction of new crops, the improvement of existing crop varieties, soil fertility, and the control of pests and diseases of crops and animals. The Division of Animal Industries, which is a new development, became responsible for all animal husbandry and disease control work.
The headquarters of the department is at Laichikok, and there are eight agricultural stations, at Castle Peak, Tsun Wan, Sheung Shui, Taipo, Shatin and Saikung, on Taimoshan, and at Silver Mine Bay on Lantao Island. Forestry district headquarters and nurseries are strategically placed for afforestation and protection, and fisheries centres are located at Aberdeen, Shaukiwan, Taipo and Kam Tin. A fishing centre at Cheung Chau was completed in 1955, and a new centre is contemplated for Saikung.
The Agriculture Division carried out investigation work on crops, including variety trials, seed selection, soil fertility studies, manurial trials, and pest and disease control, at Castle Peak Main Station and Sheung Shui Vegetable Station. Extension, advice, educational and observation work on crops, and animal husbandry are the functions of district agricultural officers operating from the district stations. The extension staff is aided by two teams concerned with pest control and survey duties.