XN000022-1976-04-03 — Page 4

Saturday, April 3, 1976

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IRRIGATION SCHEMES DESIGNED FOR FARMERS IN N.T.

The Agriculture and Fisheries Department is to hand over four

irrigation schemes to farmers in the New Territories this month.

For many years now the Department has been responsible for the planning,

design and construction of irrigation development schemes.

These schemes are one of development inputs designed to improve local

crop production but they are also designed to make optimum use of Hong Kong's

water resources particularly in time of dry weather.

The four irrigation schemes due to be handed over to farmers are

located in Tuen Mun, Ha Tsuen, Tung Chung and Tai O respectively. They were

planned, designed and installed by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department

in the year 1975/76 at a cost totalling $344,000.

A spokesman for the Department said: "These schemes consist of more

than 30,000 feet of galvanised iron pipeline. They benefit a total of 173

acres of agricultural land."

Farmers, who have often in the past experienced irrigation water

shortage in these areas, will now be able to grow a wide range of crops,

especially vegetables, the whole year round.

In future, farmers at Lo Fu Hang, Tuen Mun; Sham Wat and Sham Sek Tauen,

Tai O Tai Po and Ha Ling Pei, Tung Chung will be able to install modern sprinkler

irrigation systems on their land. Such systems can be operated by water under

pressure from the irrigation pipeline and, when installed, can greatly reduce

the labour costs of irrigation which are high under traditional methods of

irrigation.

Note to Editors:

The

You are cordially invited to cover the handing-over ceremonies.

first one will take place at Tuen Mun Rural Committee Office on April 6 at

2 p.m. and the second at Ha Teuen Rural Committee Office on April 9 at 12 noon.

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