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PRIMARY PRODUCTION
demonstrations are conducted to test the suitability of new fishing gear and methods. Training classes in navigation, engineering, radiotelephone operation and business management for fishermen are organised in the main fishing centres.
Education is provided for the children of fishermen at 11 schools run by the Fish Marketing Organisation. At the end of 1987, more than 2 170 children were attending these schools. A further eight were attending other schools on scholarships awarded by the organisation.
Close contact with the fishing community is maintained through liaison with producer associations and fishermen's co-operative societies. Nine Fish Marketing Organisation liaison offices operate in the main fishing centres to provide a link with fishermen.
Loans
Loans are available to the agricultural industry through three main funds: the Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Loan Fund, the J. E. Joseph Trust Fund and the Vegetable Marketing Organisation Loan Fund. All are administered by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department.
By December 31, 1987, loans issued since the inception of these three funds had reached a total of $249.2 million. Of this, $241.5 million had been repaid.
The Fisheries Development Loan Fund, with capital of $7 million, is administered by the Director of Agriculture and Fisheries specifically for developing the fishing fleet.
Finance from the World Refugee Year Loan Fund for Co-operative Societies, donated by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in 1962, is also available to members of fishermen's co-operative societies.
The Fish Marketing Organisation Loan Fund, which has operated as a revolving loan fund since January 1, 1983, by the transfer of funds from the organisation's surplus and deficit account is another important source of loan finance for fishermen. At the end of 1987, the fund capital was $18 million.
The department administers another revolving loan fund, financed by the Co-operative for American Relief Everywhere (CARE), specifically for shrimp fishermen.
By December 31, 1987, loans issued since the inception of these four funds totalled $175 million, of which $153 million had been repaid.
Co-operative societies operate under a Co-operative Societies Ordinance, which provides for the appointment of a registrar - the Director of Agriculture and Fisheries. His powers and duties relate to the registration of co-operative societies and their by-laws, the auditing of accounts, inspection and enquiry, general supervision of operations, and such matters as mediation in disputes and dissolution of co-operative societies when necessary.
At the end of the year, some 12 100 farmers and 1944 fishermen were members of co-operative societies.
There were 70 societies and two federations among the farming community, and 68 societies and four federations supported by fisherfolk.
Land Usage
Hong Kong's land area totals 1 071 square kilometres. About 80 per cent of the territory consists of hilly land which is too steep for large-scale comprehensive development. The main urban built-up areas are still concentrated on the northern coast of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula. In order to accommodate the growing population and economy, it has been necessary to establish new towns and expand residential areas in the New Territories. This has led to the conversion of some of the agricultural land for urban