What if I told you this park aims to revolutionize farming? Welcome to Kwu Tung South Agricultural Park. It is not just any park. It’s a hub for modern agricultural innovation.
The government introduced the New Agricultural Policy in 2016. This policy paved the way for the creation of this park. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department manages it. Kwu Tung South Agricultural Park helps farmers learn about agro-technology. It also teaches them modern farm management. The park adopts new farming methods for commercial use. It encourages other farms to embrace modern production. This boosts the productivity of the local agricultural industry.
Kwu Tung South Agricultural Park sits on 80 hectares of farmland. This area in the New Territories was picked for its history of vegetable growing. The soil and nearby irrigation make it ideal for crop cultivation. The park includes both government and private lands. The government has reclaimed private land and compensated those affected.
About 50 hectares of fallow farmland will be revived. Most of the area is for agricultural use. The rest supports infrastructure and roads. This ensures the park’s long-term operation. The park has different zones. These are for conventional, modern technological, and organic farming. The zones consider the topography and micro-climate.
The development of Kwu Tung South Agricultural Park is happening in two phases. Phase 1 is smaller. It allows the park to open part of the area quickly. This phase serves as a trial. It helps gather experience for future development.
Phase 1 covers about 11 hectares. It includes a carriageway with footpaths. This connects Tsiu Keng Road and Fan Kam Road. The new road is about 900 meters long. It is 7.3 meters wide. Large vehicles can enter the Kwu Tung South Agricultural Park easily. Farmers can transport produce and equipment efficiently. The road is also open to the public. People can visit for educational and experimental farming activities. Phase 1 also includes a culvert bridge and two vehicular bridges.
Park facilities include basic lodging and storage units. There are about 40 temporary lodging units. Each unit is about 15 square meters. These provide a resting area for farmers. They include electricity, fresh water, basic cooking, and sanitary facilities. Storage units with ventilation and lighting are near the farmland. These help farmers with their daily tasks. The lodging and storage units are temporary. The park will consider the needs of the tenants. Permanent units will be built in the second phase.
The Kwu Tung South Agricultural Park also features irrigation systems and underground conduits. Nearby rivers and an irrigation reservoir supply water. Ponds store irrigation water. This ensures enough water for future tenants.
Formation works improved about 7.5 hectares of land in Phase 1. This included clearance, ploughing, and soil improvement.
To protect the environment, the park uses mitigation measures. Movable noise barriers and low-noise construction plants are used. Semi-enclosures are applied on mechanical equipment. Solid platforms above watercourses control pollution.
The detailed design for Phase 1 is complete. The works began as early as possible for completion in stages between 2020 and 2021. After Phase 1, a detailed plan for Phase 2 was established.
Kwu Tung South Agricultural Park also provides dormitories for farmers to rest in. These dormitories are about 150 square feet.
The park aims to increase Hong Kong’s vegetable production. Officials estimate an increase of 4000 tonnes of vegetables per year. The park maximizes the agricultural use of the land.