PRIMARY PRODUCTION
67
Despite unsettled weather conditions during the later part of the year there was an increase of 4 per cent in the quantity of vegetables marketed; the average annual wholesale price increased by 7 per cent. An increased quantity of imported vegetables also passed through the market.
FISH PONDS
Fish ponds are still increasing and now cover 1,600 acres, mostly along the Deep Bay coastline near Yuen Long. The most important species reared is grey mullet which requires water with a salinity above 0.1 per cent. Fry are found in local coastal waters in February and March, but the supply in 1965 was not sufficient to meet local requirements, only 1.9 million being collected in comparison with five million last year. Fry of four other important species-silver carp, grass carp, big head and mud carp-were obtained from China between May and August, about eight million being im- ported. Common carp and edible goldfish are bred locally and some 1,800,000 and 500,000 fry were raised respectively to meet trade requirements. Edible goldfish require fresh water (less than 0.4 per cent salinity), while common carp tolerate up to 1.0 per cent salinity. Total pond fish production for the year was estimated at 364 tons, valued at some $1.37 million, which represented_about 1.4 per cent of the local consumption of pond fish. Fry of various species re-exported during the year totalled 5.7 million.
ANIMAL INDUSTRIES
Since there is insufficient land for extensive grazing, pigs and poultry are the principal animals reared in the Colony for food; cattle are mainly used for draught purposes. The pigs of Hong Kong are mostly crosses of local animals with exotic stock, and pure strains of the Chinese type are becoming less common. The Agriculture and Fisheries Department maintains the main herds of pure exotic strains-Berkshire, Mid-White, Large-White and Large- Black-and also herds of two Chinese strains for distribution to improve the Colony's pig stock, as well as for experimental purposes. A similar herd of good quality local Chinese strains, also for dis- tribution to farmers, is maintained by the Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Association on its farm at Paak Ngau Shek. Pig-keeping in the villages often follows traditional practice, but an overall im- provement in management is taking place as a result of extension