PRIMARY PRODUCTION
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by the supply of improved and exotic breeds of pigs and poultry, and also provides an artificial insemination service for pigs.
Fisheries research is carried out from a main station in Aberdeen and sub- stations at Kat O and Au Tau. The Aberdeen station is concerned with research into marine resources and associated hydrographical work in both local waters and the northern part of the South China Sea. At the Kat O sub-station investigations are continuing into mariculture, and at the Au Tau sub-station the relationship between stocking density and growth of mullet and Chinese carp has been studied. The feasibility of rearing catfish, carp and other species in treated sewage effluents is being tested at the Shek Wu Hui pilot plant for the treatment of domestic sewage.
Development and Extension
Development and extension services are provided for the agricultural and fishing industries. Due primarily to rising labour costs, the main development in the agricul- tural industry is the increasing interest which farmers have shown in the use of small farm machines and sprinkler irrigation. At the end of 1975, there were 1,560 rotary cultivators and 720 sprinkler units in use on vegetable farms. In the construction of irrigation development schemes $2.4 million was spent during the year, including ex- penditure on irrigation works associated with the High Island Water Scheme. Most of these works are gravity systems with concrete lined channels, pipelines and fixed level concrete weirs for water level control.
Fisheries development work involves the modernisation of fishing craft and the introduction of more efficient fishing gear and navigational aids. An advisory service on hull design and deck arrangement is provided for fishermen, while experiments and demonstrations are conducted to test the suitability for local conditions of new fishing gear. Fishermen training classes in navigation, steering and engine operation are organised in the main fishing ports. Education is available to fishermen's children through 13 schools run by the Fish Marketing Organisation. At the end of 1975, there were 4,132 children attending the 13 schools, and 33 were attending other schools on scholarships provided by the organisation.
Hong Kong is divided into three districts for agricultural extension. Each district is administered by a district extension staff, supported by teams of specialists trained to deal with problems in farming and agricultural pollution and with co-operative societies. Close contact with the farming community and liaison with local co- operative societies and rural associations is maintained by farm advisers. Both credit facilities and technical advice are available through the extension service.
In the rural extension programme in 1975, more than 1,320 farmers attended farm discussion groups led by professional and technical officers from the department. The officers also made more than 142,400 visits to farmers and co-operative societies. In addition, farmers visited government experimental farms and farming projects.
Close contact with the fishing community is maintained through a liaison service with producer associations and fishermen's co-operative societies. Nine liaison offices operate in the main fishing centres to provide a link with the fishermen.