CO129-587-17 Botanical and Forestry Department- proposed formation of agricultural section 22-8-1940 - 22-8-1940 — Page 19

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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