PRIMARY PRODUCTION AND MARKETING
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of the Department are at Lai Chi Kok on the outskirts of Kowloon,
The total permanent staff of the Department is now 700 compared with 200 in 1952. The estimated expenditure in 1958-9 was $4,445,100, compared with $2,470,395 in 1952-3.
The policy and organization of the various divisions of the Department are described in succeeding paragraphs. These are followed by a general account of agriculture, animal industries, fisheries and forestry in Hong Kong during 1958.
Agricultural and Animal Industries Divisions. A broad policy for the development of Agriculture and Animal Industries was accepted in principle by the Government towards the close of 1955. This policy envisaged the improvement of irrigation and communications throughout the New Territories, planned settle- ment 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 general experimental station of the Department serving Agriculture and Animal Husbandry is situated at Castle_Peak in the New Territories. This station is concerned with pig improve- ment (local pig breed), poultry investigations and rice work. A veterinary laboratory is available for animal disease diagnosis and investigations, and for the preparation of rinderpest vaccine. A vegetable research station has been developed at Sheung Shui and a horticultural station at Tai Po. Exotic pig breeding is conducted at Sheung Shui Pig Station and pig cross-breeding work at Sai Kung Agricultural Station. A new station has recently been completed at Ta Kwo Ling for experimental work on dry land farming. These stations also include the offices of the agricultural extension and other field staff of the districts concerned. Additional posts and stations are situated at Sha Tin, Ko Po, Kam Tin, and Silvermine Bay on Lantau Island. New stations or agricultural posts are planned for Au Tau, Tau Pass, Ha Tsuen, Chek Kang, Tai O and Tung Chung. A chemical laboratory is situated at Lai Chi Kok.