PRIMARY PRODUCTION
Class
Approximate Percentage
area
69
Remarks
(square miles)
of whole
(i) Built-up (Urban Areas)
40
10.0
(ii) Woodlands
53.8
13.5
Includes roads and railways.
Natural and established ⚫ woodlands.
(iii) Grass and scrub lands
233.2
58.5
Natural grass and scrub.
(iv) Badlands
14.1
3.5
Stripped of cover. Granite country. Capable of re- generation.
(v) Swamp and mangrove
lands
5
1.3
Capable of reclamation.
(vi) Arable...
49.2
12.4
Includes
orchards
and
market gardens.
(vii) Fish ponds
3.2
0.8
Fresh and brackish water fish farming.
POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION
The Agriculture and Fisheries Department concerns itself with optimum land utilisation and provides technical, extension and advisory services to farmers. It also deals with all matters concerning the economic, social and technological development of Hong Kong fisheries, especially those aspects which directly involve the fishermen, and the administrative organisation of co-operative societies of all types. The conservation of water and soil, through afforestation of bare, eroded hillsides and catchment areas, is also an important aspect of the department's work. Afforestation is largely undertaken by the department and private afforestation is still relatively unimportant. The New Territories Administration is responsible for land tenure and certain aspects of land develop- ment in the New Territories.
AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND DEVELOPMENT
For the purpose of agricultural extension, the Colony is divided into three districts and sub-divided into 30 areas. Each district is administered by a District Extension Staff, supported by teams of specialists trained to deal with farming, livestock and co-operative problems. Close contact with the farming community is maintained through the stationing of one farm adviser in each area, and by liaison with local co-operative societies and rural associations. Both technical and credit facilities are available through the Extension Service.