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PRIMARY PRODUCTION
constantly under review. The department also undertakes investiga- tional and advisory work for the benefit of farmers.
PRIMARY PRODUCTION: POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION
The policy of Government is to stimulate the production of food where this is compatible with the best utilization of the resources of land and sea. To achieve this, three departments of Government are concerned with serving farmers and fishermen. The Agriculture and Forestry Department concerns itself chiefly with optimum land utilization and provides technical, extension and advisory services to farmers. The Co-operative Development and Fisheries Depart- ment deals mainly with the fishermen on the waters of the territory and the administrative organization of co-operative societies of all types. The New Territories Administration is responsible for land tenure and certain aspects of land development in the New Territories.
The Agriculture and Forestry Department aims to increase the production and improve the economic status of individual farmers. It assists in stabilizing the farming industry by encouraging diversi- fied production which helps mitigate the effects of seasonal market 'gluts' and trade recessions. While stimulating greater production by the use of scientific techniques, the department seeks to achieve its aims without impairing soil fertility. The conservation of soil and water, through afforestation of bare, eroded hillsides and catch- ment areas, is important. Afforestation is largely undertaken by Government, and private afforestation is still relatively unimportant.
Loans are available to farmers through the Kadoorie Agricul- tural Aid Loan Fund, started in 1955 by Government and Messrs Lawrence and Horace Kadoorie. The fund is administered by the Agriculture and Forestry Department, whose Director is the chair- man and trustee. Loans are also available through the J. E. Joseph Trust Fund and through the Vegetable Marketing Organization Loan Fund. The Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Association, a philan- thropic organization also founded by the Kadoorie brothers, gives free grants to members of the farming community who cannot find enough capital on their own. The general policy of the association is to help those who are prepared to help themselves, and, although not a Government sponsored organization, it works closely with