Local farmers who suffered serious losses caused by the recent heavy rainstorm and the Tropical Storm Lionrock can register with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) from tomorrow (October 13) to October 22 for assistance from an emergency relief fund.
An AFCD spokesman said today (October 12) that an appropriate amount of the relief fund would be released to affected farming households according to established criteria.
The department's preliminary investigation has revealed that about 300 hectares of farmland in the New Territories were affected by the rainstorm and Tropical Storm Lionrock.
"After each typhoon or natural disaster, the AFCD staff will inspect farmland areas in the New Territories to assess the resultant damage," the spokesman said.
"Depending on the gravity of the damage, the department may launch an operation to provide some relief to affected farmers."
In order to avoid crowd gathering and to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, affected local crop farms may submit online applications (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/agriculture/agr_loan/agr_loan_erf/agr_loan_erf.html) or make prior registration appointments with the Agricultural Extension Office at 2476 2424 or 2477 9408 to facilitate the arrangement of farm inspections. If they choose to register their applications at the Office on 5/F, Yuen Long Government Offices, 2 Kiu Lok Square, Yuen Long, they should also make prior appointments.
If Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above, or the Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or the post-super typhoon "extreme conditions" announcement by the Government is in force during the above mentioned registration period, the registration period will be extended to October 25.
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