ENG-1989 — Page 141

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PRIMARY PRODUCTION

of different sectors within the primary industries is studied to establish and update productivity standards and to identify areas for improvement.

Agricultural Development

Owing to the shortage and rising costs of farm labour and land in Hong Kong, the main development in the agricultural industry in recent years has been the introduction of labour-saving devices and intensive production practices. Farmers use pre-emergence herbicides for weed control in market garden crops and there is widespread use of small farm machines and sprinkler irrigation.

Integrated pest management, a safe method of pest control on vegetables without the use of toxic pesticides, is the subject of an active development programme undertaken by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department. The use of a safe microbial organism to control the Diamond-back moth, a major pest on leafy green vegetables, has been adopted by local farmers. Seminars and demonstrations are also organised to publicise and promote integrated pest control and safe use of pesticides.

The cultivation of edible mushrooms has become an active development programme in recent years. New strains, high quality spawn and technical advice are made available to growers based on experimental results.

Exotic and improved local breeds of pigs and chickens are readily accepted by livestock farmers due to their superior performances. Sporadic outbreaks of Foot-and-Mouth - Disease in pigs and Newcastle Disease in poultry still occur but are kept under control by

vaccination.

Loans are available to the agricultural industry through three main funds: the Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Loan Fund, the J. E. Joseph Trust Fund and the Vegetable Marketing Organisation Loan Fund. These loan funds are administered by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department. By December 31, 1989, loans issued since the inception of these three funds had reached a total of $271.7 million. Of this, $264.2 million has been repaid.

There were 70 co-operative societies and two federations among the farming commu- nity with a total membership of some 11 936 farmers. These societies help to promote agriculture and operate under a Co-operative Societies Ordinance, which provides for the appointment of a registrar- the Director of Agriculture and Fisheries. His powers and duties relate to the registration of co-operative societies and their by-laws, the auditing of accounts, inspection and enquiry, general supervision of operations, and such matters as mediation in disputes and dissolution of co-operative societies when necessary.

Teams of agricultural extension officers are posted by the department throughout the New Territories to deal with farming problems and to liaise with co-operative societies and rural associations. Technical assistance, agricultural loans and related services are made available to farmers to promote better farming results. Visits were also arranged for farmers to see government experimental farms and farming projects.

Fisheries Development

Fisheries development work involves modernising fishing craft and introducing more efficient fishing gear and navigational aids. A free advisory service on fishing vessel hull design, fishing methods and fishing equipment is available to fishermen while tests and demonstrations are conducted to assess the suitability of new fishing gear and methods. Training classes in navigation, engineering radiotelephony, proper use of ancillary equipment such as radar and weather facsimile, and seminars on safety on board fishing vessels at sea are regularly organised in the main fishing ports.