14.
19
5.
It may be pointed out that the paucity of suitable crops
is largely due to the practice of utilising only the low-
land areas for intensive production purposes.
This
necessarily reduces the number of suitable crops to a
very low figure.
Development in regard to crops should be along the
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following lines: (i) by increasing the areas available
for cultivation, including reclamation of land for
increased rice production (ii) by increasing the output
of staple food crops, by introducing higher yielding
varieties (iii) by increasing the number of profitable
food crops and (iv) by introducing new economic food crops,
suitable for cultivation on the lower slopes and foothills.
It is considered that good progress along these lines may
be anticipated if the matter is dealt with in a suitable
way.
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Animal Husbandry It has been stated that the present
system of Pig and Poultry Breeding can be very materially improved by (i) the production of hybrid stock and (ii)
by improvement in general breeding practices. Experience
gained in other Colonies is in agreement with these
premises. It is considered that if the matter is dealt
with on lines found to be successful in other Colonies
that these premises will be amply justified.
Factors governing Possible Development. The factors governing successful agricultural operations in the New Territories have
already been stated (see p.5). It is considered that the most
important ones in connection with further development are three in number, viz., (i) Increase in Area, (ii) Water-Supply and
(iii) Finance.
Increase in Area
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of the present system of land distribution.
This will necessitate some re-adjustment
It is a matter