ENG-1962 — Page 137

PRIMARY PRODUCTION

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in 1962 was about 900 acres and their value was over $2 million. The water chestnut crop, in particular, has greatly improved in quality in recent years and a larger proportion is now being ex- ported as 'first grade'. Crops exported to the United States and to certain other countries must be accompanied by a Comprehensive Certificate of Origin, which requires individual inspection of the crops in the field by staff of the Agriculture and Forestry Department.

Pond Fish Production. The number of fish ponds in the New Territories continued to increase and the total area is now 1,082 acres, situated mostly along the Deep Bay coastline, near Yuen Long. Grey Mullet is the most important species of fish reared and requires water with a salinity above 0.05 per cent. Fry are found in local coastal waters in February and March and the supply in 1962 was very good, more than 10 million being collected. Fry of four other important species, silver carp, grass carp, big head and mud carp, are obtained from China between May and August. Adequate supplies amounting to about 14 million were imported during the year. Common carp and edible goldfish are bred locally and, respectively, some 1,800,000 and 100,000 fry were raised to meet trade requirements. Edible goldfish require fresh water (less than 0.4 per cent salinity). The common carp can tolerate one per cent salinity. Production for the year was 900 tons, valued at $3,900,000. This was a distinct improvement on previous years, and represented about 10 per cent of the total consumption of pond fish. Six million fry of various species were re-exported during the year.

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ANIMAL INDUSTRIES

As there is insufficient land for extensive grazing, pigs and poultry are the principal food animals reared in the Colony and cattle are mainly used for draught purposes. The pigs of Hong Kong are mostly the resultant crosses of local animals with exotic stock, and pure strains of the Chinese type are becoming less common. The Agriculture and Forestry Department maintains herds of pure exotic strains such as Berkshire, Mid-White and Large-White, and also herds of two Chinese strains. These animals are used for experimental purposes, and for commercial cross- breeding and distribution to improve the Colony's pig stock. Pigs