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Local farmers who suffered crop losses caused by frost associated with the strong winter monsoon last week may contact the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) for assistance, a department spokesman said today (December 21).
The department's preliminary investigation has revealed that about 460 hectares of farmland in the New Territories were affected by frost. In particular, the northern part of the New Territories including Sheung Shui, Fanling and Ta Kwu Ling were more seriously affected.
"After each typhoon or natural disaster, our staff will inspect farmland areas in the New Territories to assess the resultant damage," the spokesman said.
"Depending on the gravity of the damage, we may launch an operation to provide some relief to affected farmers."
Farmers can register with the AFCD from tomorrow (December 22) to December 31 for assistance from an emergency relief fund. An appropriate amount of the relief fund will be released to affected farming households according to the level of damage suffered.
Applicants should register at the office of the Department's Agricultural Development Division, 5/F, Yuen Long Government Offices, 2 Kiu Lok Square, Yuen Long, or call 2476 2424 for enquiries.
Ends/Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Issued at HKT 14:30
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