Learning from Danzhou, Hainan

Hong Kong people have a demand for quality local agricultural produce. Some of them are even interested in joining the agricultural sector. If our agricultural industry is more modernised, it can be developed in a more sustainable manner, and our rural environment will be more beautiful. The problems brought by dirty and messy surroundings in some areas can also be resolved.

I announced the New Agriculture Policy in this year's Policy Address, including the establishment of an Agricultural Park and a Sustainable Agricultural Development Fund, with a view to promoting local agricultural development through the provision of farmland, funds and technologies, and providing more diverse job opportunities for the Hong Kong people.

Hainan's Danzhou has set up the National Agricultural Sci-Tech Zone to study and test out innovative farming technologies so as to enhance productivity and the quality of produce. I happened to be in Hainan these two days to attend the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference, and I took the opportunity to learn more about Danzhou's agricultural technology development, technology transfer and support for farmers from Mayor of Danzhou, Mr Zhang Geng, as well as the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences.

The Zone conducts research on new technology and agricultural produce. This includes a number of key projects, such as bases focusing on vegetables and flowers. Jointly managed by the Danzhou Municipal Government and the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, the Zone also collaborates with various research and development institutions.

March 23, 2016