CO129-587-17 Botanical and Forestry Department- proposed formation of agricultural section 22-8-1940 - 22-8-1940 — Page 12

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Agricultural Association of the New Territories.

This

body has done good work, particularly in regard to increasing

vegetable production. This is being further developed by

the establishment of an experimental area, adjacent to the New

Agricultural Hall at Fanling. It should be stated that these

activities have been stimulated by a substantial annual

contribution from Government and by the provision of the

land for the experimental area.

Government

Government has appointed the under mentioned

Commissions and Committees to investigate problems

associated with New Territories Agriculture:-

"Marketing of New Territories Produce in Hong Kong

and Kowloon" (Report submitted and published as Sessional Paper No.1/1934)

"Breeding of Pigs and Poultry in the New Territories"

(Report submitted and published as Sessional Paper

No.5/1934)

"Economic Commission" (Report submitted and published

as Sessional Paper No.3/1935)

The Colonial Veterinary Surgeon and his staff have,

so far as circumstances would permit, given free advice, etc., to the local people in regard to pigs in particular. The Colonial Veterinary Surgeon has, in addition, prepared a pamphlet on the subject of pigs and their care, a Chinese translation of which was distributed to various

villages.

The Botanical and Forestry Department has done useful work by experimenting with better varieties of local crops and with various new crops which it has been thought might be of value to local agriculture.

It has,

by actual production, shown the people what can be done with English type vegetables. With its limited

resources for such work, it has contributed a

satisfactory quota to the general effort.