PRODUCTION
Bay on Lantao Island. The demonstration of new and improved agricultural and animal husbandry techniques is undertaken, and also the distribution of improved seed and stock. Regular monthly meetings are held with farmers to discuss farming problems.
The fifty-acre research station at Ki Lun Wei, Castle Peak, contains approximately eleven acres of paddy land and four acres of vegetable land, the remainder being used for pigs, poultry and orchards. At this station experiments are carried out in the grow- ing of rice, vegetables and citrus fruits.
The animal husbandry section is studying the effects of crossing various breeds of imported boars with the local sows. It is hoped that, in time, a more definite breeding programme may be started. Local swine are hardy and prolific breeders, and appear to be more resistant to common diseases than imported stock.
At the poultry station, pedigree birds of imported breeds are kept. Work is being done on the crossing of these breeds with local Cantonese hens in an attempt to produce a fast-maturing hybrid suitable for the local market. It has been found that the New Hampshire crossed with the local Cantonese bird makes an excellent hybrid for meat production. Feed trials are also being undertaken.
Inoculation of all cattle against rinderpest, using lapinised vaccine, is another activity undertaken by the division and these inoculations are now compulsory.
Vegetable Marketing Organization
In September, 1946, a vegetable marketing scheme, similar to that started for the marketing of fish, was introduced on the mainland. All vegetables produced in the New Territories mainland or imported into that
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