ENG-1962 — Page 133

PRIMARY PRODUCTION

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from the hillsides and catchment areas. The afforestation policy is to replace these lost woodlands, not only to safeguard water catchments and ensure soil conservation, but also to take advantage of the opportunities it affords to make best use of the land. There are many limiting factors to the extension of arable land, but they can be overcome in some areas and much more attention is now paid to the principles of multiple land use in order to exploit underdeveloped areas. The establishment of pure forests tends to be restricted to areas incapable of more intensive development.

The compilation of information and data for the further ex- ploitation of available land resources for agricultural production is a continuing process. The Agriculture and Forestry Department is primarily concerned and has the changing pattern of land use constantly under review. The department also undertakes investiga- tional and advisory work for the benefit of farmers. A report on the soils of Hong Kong has recently been published and is a valu- able addition to the information available for the improved utiliza- tion of land resources. This report, by Dr C. J. Grant, formerly of the Agriculture and Forestry Department and now at the University, is the result of three years work carried out in associa- tion with the soil survey pool attached to the Colonial Office.

PRIMARY PRODUCTION: POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION

The policy of Government is to stimulate the production of food where this is compatible with the best utilization of the resources of land and sea. To achieve this, three departments of Government are concerned with serving farmers and fishermen. The Agriculture and Forestry Department concerns itself chiefly with optimum land utilization and gives technical, extension and advisory services to farmers. The Co-operative Development and Fisheries Department deals mainly with the fishermen on the waters of the territory and the administrative organization of co-operative societies of all types. The New Territories Administration is also concerned.

The Agriculture and Forestry Department aims to increase the production and improve the economic status of individual farmers. It assists in stabilizing the farming industry by encouraging diver- sified production which helps mitigate the effects of seasonal market 'gluts' and trade recessions. While stimulating greater production by the use of scientific techniques, the department seeks