Paak Ngau Shek Experimental Farm

KAAA was based at Tack Sang Farm in Yuen Long before moving to Paak Ngau Shek in Lam Tsuen, Tai Po. The Paak Ngau Shek Experimental Farm provided a centre for KAAA administrative affairs and the distribution of KAAA gifts. In the past, the agricultural department focused on pure-bred exotic stock, to the neglect of the local Fa Yuen pig (pictured). It was later discovered that this local breed had better resistance to disease. In 1956, the Paak Ngau Shek Experimental Farm started selective breeding for the Fa Yuen strain. This resulted in the Paak Ngau Shek Special (pictured) – the sway back and sagging belly were gone, only to be replaced by rapid growth, a fatter and more healthy pig. Cross-breeding of the New Hampshire hen (middle), which had a faster growth rate, and the Wai Chow cock (left), whose flavor was more appealing, led to the Paak Ngau Shek Special. This cross-breed was very popular with farmers in the 1970s, as the breed supplied over 80% Hong Kong’s restaurants.

Agricultural training was provided by the Agricultural and Fisheries Department and KAAA at the Kadoorie Farm. Courses usually combined practical work and simple lectures. A subsistence allowance was paid to farmer’s families to encourage students to complete the course. KAAA experimented planting crops and rearing livestock at different altitudes in the Paak Ngau Shek Experimental Farm, and shared their experience with the farmers. KAAA shared their crop planting experience with the farmers.