PRIMARY PRODUCTION
accounts, inspection and enquiry, general supervision of operations, and such matters as mediation in disputes and dissolution of co-operative societies when necessary.
Agricultural extension officers are posted by the department throughout the New Territories to deal with farming problems and to liaise with co-operative societies and rural associations. Technical assistance, agricultural loans and related services are made avail- able to farmers to promote better farming results. Visits were also arranged for farmers to see government experimental farms and farming projects.
Fisheries Development
Fisheries development work involves modernising fishing craft and introducing more efficient fishing gear and navigational aids. A free advisory service on fishing vessel hull design, fishing methods and fishing equipment is available to fishermen while tests and demonstrations are conducted to assess the suitability of new fishing gear and methods. Training classes in navigation, engineering radiotelephony, proper use of ancillary equip- ment such as radar and weather facsimile, and seminars on safety on board fishing vessels at sea are regularly organised in the main fishing ports.
Following the successful completion of a two-year study on the operation of steel-hulled fishing vessels, this type of vessel has been licensed since May 1989. Since then, the department has been providing a new advisory service to assist local fishermen interested in building these new and more efficient fishing vessels. In addition, the first sea-fishing endorsement course to train and qualify fishermen to operate steel-hulled vessels was organised by the department in September 1989. In 1990, five such training courses were conducted and a total of 41 fishermen trained.
Education is provided for the children of fishermen at eight schools run by the Fish Marketing Organisation. At the end of 1990, more than 1 300 children were attending these schools. A further 11 were attending other schools on scholarships, grants and loans. awarded by the organisation.
Close contact with the fishing community is maintained through liaison with producer associations and fishermen's co-operative societies. Eight Fish Marketing Organisation liaison offices operate in each of the main fishing centres in order to provide a link with fishermen.
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 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 1990, the fund capital was $23 million.
The Agriculture and Fisheries Department administers another revolving loan fund, financed by the Co-operative for American Relief Everywhere (CARE).
By December 31, loans issued since the inception of these four funds totalled $215 million of which $185 million has been repaid.
At the end of the year, 2 086 fishermen were members of co-operative societies and there were 70 societies and four federations supported by fisherfolk.
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