Sowing the seeds of organic farming
The contrast could not have been more striking as paddy fields dotted a section of a shopping mall.
But the people enjoyed the atmosphere. They set aside their shopping bags and donned straw hats and plastic boots to experience organic farming.
They were taking part in a planting competition at East Point City, Tseung Kwan O, on Tuesday.
Each team was made up of two family members.
Those who planted the most rice seedlings within a given period won.
While the nine teams raced against time to fill up the plots, adjudicators observed their farming skills and only seedlings which stood upright were counted.
Each group also had to make a scarecrow from straws, to guard the fields from imaginary birds.
The activity provided plenty of fun for shoppers, who learned a lot about organic farming.
Winson Tsang, director of Hong Kong Organic Agriculture & Ecological Research Association, was one of the adjudicators.
Mr Tsang, who praised the contestants for their hard work and creativity, stressed the importance of organic farming.
'Hong Kong has been hit by a series of food poisoning outbreaks over the past few years. This has raised public awareness of healthy food,' said Mr Tsang.
'Organic farming avoids the use of pesticides and other toxic fertilisers. Having a diet comprising organic food not only benefits our health, it also creates less damage to the environment.'
East Point City is also staging an exhibition to give visitors a better idea about how to lead a healthy life.
The Loveth Thy Neighbour East Point City Organic Life Expo is made up of a 4,000-square-foot exhibition zone and a 2,000-sq-ft paddy field. Organic vegetables, tea and bread are on display. It provides people an opportunity to practise organic farming on the spot.
Helpers are on hand to explain the principles of organic farming and how to stay healthy in a fast-paced city like Hong Kong.
The exhibition runs from 10am to 10pm until May 13 on 1/Fl, East Point City, Tseung Kwan O. Admission is free.
