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PRIMARY PRODUCTION
farmers. As a result, there was a rapid growth of intensively cultivated vegetable farming and livestock production increased greatly.
Progressive developments also took place simultaneously in the local fishing industry. A large fleet of wind-driven junks-which had previously migrated up and down the coast, dependent upon the seasonal winds---was encouraged to become based at Hong Kong and concentrate on supplying the marine food demands of the territory's expanded population. That ready market stimulated fleet modernisation and, with government assistance, the mechanisation of the existing fleet was quickly initiated. Further impressive advances have since been made in the transition of the fleet from junks to modern boats using increasingly sophisticated gear and equipment.
A continued increase in marine fish production is needed to meet expanding demand. The present slow growth rate of supply in terms of total catch, although with fewer vessels, indicates that the demersal or bottom fisheries of the grounds now worked are already being fully exploited to provide maximum sustainable yield.
Traditional rice cultivation has continued to decrease as vegetable growing has expanded. The profit margin on rice cultivation has dropped in recent years, and much former paddy land around the more remote villages has fallen into disuse and now lies fallow. The able-bodied members of these rural communities have moved to the city or overseas for better paid work. Meanwhile, the acreage under vegetables has continued to increase. The skilled cultivator can maintain a good standard of living from a one-acre farm, and now uses many modern horticultural techniques such as sprinkler irrigation, mechanised cultivation and better pest control measures to maintain a continuous succession of crops throughout the year.
Pig and poultry production is more susceptible to changes in the quantity level of imported swine and poultry and to fluctuations in the prices of feeding stuffs, which are almost entirely imported. With lower feed prices and higher prices for poultry and pigs during the year, local production of pigs and poultry showed in- creases of 20 per cent and 16 per cent respectively above the levels of 1975.
Administration and Services
The Agriculture and Fisheries Department provides a development information service to the primary industries. The details of new projects put forward are carefully considered, and those expected to prove both viable and in the interests of Hong Kong are actively encouraged.
Consumer demand and local primary production, within the context of world food production and supply, are investigated so that development planning can be undertaken. All available statistical data on production factors and food supplies, including imports, are collected and analysed to assist in the formulation of local production and marketing policies. Business efficiency of differing sectors and units within primary industries are studied to establish and update productivity standards, and to facilitate advice on their improvement. Forward projection studies of the anticipated market demands for foods are prepared. The projections are then related