ENG-1974 — Page 73

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PRIMARY PRODUCTION

of vegetables and flowers under protective plastic structures is also showing promise. The department advises livestock farmers on modern methods of animal production and assists them by the supply of improved and exotic breeds of pigs and poultry, and also provides an artificial insemination service for pigs.

Fisheries research is carried out from the main station in Aberdeen, and sub- stations at Kat O and Au Tau. The Aberdeen station is concerned with research into marine resources and associated hydrological and oceanographical work in both local waters and in the northern part of the South China Sea, and with aquaculture research. At the Kat O sub-station investigations are continuing into mariculture, and at the Au Tau sub-station experiments on the induced breeding of carp species have yielded promising results. The feasibility of rearing catfish, carp and other species in treated sewage effluents is being tested at the Shek Wu Hui pilot plant for the treatment of domestic sewage.

Development and extension services are also provided for the agricultural and fishing industries. Due primarily to rising labour costs, the main development in the agricultural industry is the increasing interest which farmers have shown in the use of small farm machines and sprinkler irrigation. At the end of 1974, there were 1,210 rotary cultivators and 450 sprinkler units in use on vegetable farms. Other irrigation development comprised the construction of minor irrigation schemes-$968,000 was spent during the year, including expenditure on those irrigation works associated with the High Island Water Scheme. Most of these works are gravity systems with concrete lined channels, pipelines and fixed level concrete weirs for water level control.

Development of the fishing fleet involves the modernisation of hull design and deck arrangements of vessels, and the introduction of more efficient fishing gear and navigational aids. These services are rendered, free of charge, to fishermen by the department. Experiments are also carried out to test the suitability for local conditions of new fishing gear and labour-saving devices. Training classes are conducted in the main fishing centres to enable fishermen to obtain certificates of competency as local masters and engine operators, and to give them a working knowledge of navigation. Through the Fish Marketing Organisation, schooling facilities are available to fisher- men's children. At the end of 1974, there were 4,240 children attending the 14 schools established by the organisation, and 39 were attending other schools on scholarships provided by the organisation.

Hong Kong is divided into three districts for agricultural extension. Each district is administered by a district extension staff, supported by teams of specialists trained to deal with problems in farming, agricultural pollution and co-operative societies. Close contact with the farming community and liaison with local co-operative societies and rural associations is maintained by farm advisers. Both credit facilities and technical advice are available through the extension service.

In the rural extension programme in 1974, more than 1,190 farmers attended farm discussion groups led by professional and technical officers from the department. A restricted programme of formal training was also carried out, in which 283 farmers and farmers' sons and daughters received vocational training in a wide variety of