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The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has reminded local crop farmers and fish farmers to take precautionary measures to better protect their crops and cultured fish following the persistent cold weather.
"We have reminded all vegetable marketing co-operative societies, mariculturists and pond fish farmers to pay particular attention to temperature changes. We have also recommended precautionary measures," an AFCD spokesman said today (January 14).
The department's preliminary investigation has revealed crop damage by frost in Ta Kwu Ling, Sheung Shui and Kwan Tei. The Emergency Relief Fund has been activated since Monday for affected farmers to register. The AFCD has received 108 applications so far and has been processing the applications and will release grants to eligible farmers as soon as possible.
Crop farmers can cover their farmland with polyethylene film or cotton net to minimise crop damage caused by low temperatures.
Fish farmers should closely monitor the changes in water temperature and variations in feed intake of their fish. They should also adjust the amount of feed and minimise the movement of the cultured fish. Depending on the circumstances, farmers may consider advancing the sale of their fish.
Crop farmers and fish farmers are welcome to contact the AFCD for enquiries, support service or assistance. Details are as follow:
Crop farmers (Tel: 2477 9408, 2476 9662)
Mariculturists (Tel: 2150 7082)
Pond fish farmers (Tel: 2471 9142)
Ends/Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:11
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