ENG-1968 — Page 108

PRIMARY PRODUCTION

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and private afforestation is still relatively unimportant. The New Territories Administration is responsible for land tenure and certain aspects of land development in the New Territories.

Afforestation is directed primarily towards soil and water con- servation within the Colony's water-sheds. Forest produce occupies a secondary and incidental role. In the immediate post-war years considerable emphasis was placed upon the establishment and improvement of village plantations, principally for the production of firewood, but a progressive change over to other forms of fuel has now rendered this aspect unimportant.

AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND DEVELOPMENT

In seeking to increase production and improve the economic status of farmers, the Agriculture and Fisheries Department en- courages diversified production to mitigate the effects of seasonal market 'gluts' and trade recessions. To this end technical and credit facilities are available through the extension service provided by the department. For the purpose of administration, the Colony is divided into three districts, sub-divided into 29 areas according to the density of farming population, intensity of farming, acces- sibility and farming potential. Each district is administered by a District Extension Staff, supported by teams of specialists trained to deal with farming, livestock and co-operative problems. Close contact with the farming community is maintained through a farm adviser stationed in each area and by liaison with local co-operative societies and rural associations. As at December 31, 1968, there were 107 agricultural co-operatives registered with a total member- ship of 12,415.

Loans are available to farmers and the farming community through four separate loan funds: the Vegetable Marketing Organization Loan Fund, the World Refugee Year Loan Fund, the J. E. Joseph Trust Fund and the Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Loan Fund, which are all administered through the department. The J. E. Joseph Trust Fund was founded in 1954 by a legacy from the late J. E. Joseph to which a government contribution was added in 1957, with the Director of Agriculture and Fisheries as the Trustee. The Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Loan Fund started in 1955 by the Government with generous donations from two