15.
20
6.
for special consideration and requires the knowledge and
services of officers thoroughly acquainted with the local
peasant population and the land system in force.
Water Supply
-
The successful production of agricultural
crops depends a good deal on the provision of an adequate
water supply. Normally, such supplies are available in
almost every ravine and small storage arrangements at
varying levels are to be recommended in order that during
dry seasons water supplies can be regulated to provide for
terraced slope operations as well as for lowland operations.
At other seasons of the year, the rainfall is likely to be
sufficient for agricultural needs. In this connection, the
assistance of the Water Department in an advisory capacity
is considered essential, while the afforestation of the
upper slopes by the Botanical and Forestry Department will
materially assist in the conservation of moisture and
consequently the provision of an adequate water supply.
Finance In this connection, the services of officers
acquainted with peasant finances is essential. The
establishment of co-operative efforts for development purpos es should be emphasised as they have proved successful in
other Colonies.
onsider
Formulation of Policy It is considered that the information
given above covers the more important aspects of Agriculture
and its development in the New Territories.
It is suggested that Government should review the whole matter
giving consideration to the following points:- (i) the establishment of an Agricultural organisation, to include an experimental plantation and farm, in order to give practical demonstrations of agricultural possibilities and practical assistance by the distribution of better type seeds, etc., for crop purposes and of better type animals for breeding purposes (ii) the possibilities of developing New Territories Agricultural
Page 20Page 21