ENG-1959 — Page 108

86

HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT

credit and the preparation of Colonial Development and Welfare schemes.

PRIMARY PRODUCTION: ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Department was formed in 1950. Prior to this, there had existed for several years a small Department of Forestry and Botany and in 1948 two specialist officers were appointed to advise the Government on Agriculture and Animal Industries, which were assuming importance in the New Territories. The Department now consists of four divisions: Agriculture, Animal Industries, Fisheries (Marine and Fresh Water) and Forestry. It has expanded rapidly since 1953 and the overall policy is to increase food production, and conserve plant and animal resources. The Department gives technical advice to farmers, fishermen, administrators and welfare organizations con- cerned with farmers and fishermen. By demonstration, teaching and extension of approved farming and forestry practices, the Department encourages the conservation of vital water supplies, soil and soil fertility, and, in general, appropriate use of land. The Department also organizes an annual Agricultural Show which is popular with the farming community and townsmen alike.

The Director of the Department is a qualified agricultural scien- tist and is assisted administratively by an Assistant Director and by the heads of the four divisions, who are also qualified pro- fessional officers. The Director is a member of the Rural De- velopment Committee, Chairman and Trustee of the Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Loan Fund and a member of the Fisheries Advisory Committee. The headquarters of the Department are at Lai Chi Kok on the outskirts of Kowloon.

The total permanent staff of the Department is now 834 com- pared with 200 in 1952. The estimated expenditure in 1959-60 was $5,333,700 compared with $2,470,395 in 1952-3.

The policy and organization of the various divisions of the Department are described in succeeding paragraphs. These are followed by a general account of agriculture, animal industries, fisheries and forestry in Hong Kong during 1959.