84
HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT
Development and Welfare funds (see Appendix I) and from the Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Association. The parts of the New Territories to which particular attention is being given are the Sha Tau Kok and Sai Kung regions, and Lantau Island.
There is a Rural Development Committee, appointed by the Governor in June 1954, with official and unofficial members, under the Chairmanship of the District Commissioner, New Territories. Its duties are to advise the Government on all matters relating to New Territories development, in particular to the extension of agricultural credit and the preparation of Colonial Development and Welfare schemes.
PRIMARY PRODUCTION: ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Department was found- ed in 1950. Prior to this, there had existed for several-years a small Department of Forestry and Botany and in 1948 two specialist officers were appointed to advise the Government on Agriculture and Animal Industries, which were assuming im- portance in the New Territories. The Department now consists of four divisions: Agriculture, Animal Industries, Fisheries (Marine and Fresh Water) and Forestry. It has expanded rapidly since 1953 and the overall policy is to increase food production, and conserve plant and animal resources. The Department gives technical advice, to farmers, fishermen, administrators and welfare organizations concerned with farmers and fishermen. By demon- stration, teaching and extension of approved farming and forestry practices, the Department encourages the conservation of vital water supplies, soil and soil fertility, and, in general, appropriate land use. The Department also organizes an annual Agricultural Show which is popular with the farming community and townsmen alike.
The Director of the Department is a qualified agricultural scientist and is assisted administratively by the heads of the four divisions, who are also qualified professional officers. The Director is a member of the Rural Development Committee (referred to earlier in this chapter under Land Utilization), Chairman and Trustee of the Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Loan Fund and a member of the Fisheries Advisory Committee. The headquarters