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Show URGES FARMERS TO RAISE FOODS WASHINGTON. March 27 The farmers of America were appealed to bv Secretary Houston today to Join In agricultural preparedness measures bo that the country mny not be handicapped handi-capped by food shortage in its efforts to meet the international crisis. Elimination Elimi-nation of waste, conservation of surplus, sur-plus, and attainment of maximum crop regulations were outlined as imperative impera-tive steps for Strengthening agricultural agricul-tural resources. "Both for economic and patriotic reasons," the secretary said in a formal for-mal statement, "the American farmer should strive this year for the highest high-est standard of efficiency in I he production pro-duction and conservation of food. "Under the conditions in which this countrv finds itself it Is important that everything practicable be dene to increase the efficiency of agricultural activities during the coming Beason It is desirable that throughout the country farmers confei among them selves on matters affecting the production pro-duction Of needed crops and thai they consult freely with county agents. Btate agricultural colleges, and the department de-partment of agriculture." General Campaign. The secretary's appeal was part of the campaign undertaken by the ,, partment of agriculture lo mobilize Utfe nation's agricultural resources As-tstanl As-tstanl Secretary Vrooman previous!) Outlined why the various section) 1 1 1 the country should become self-supporting through crop diversification, and pointed out also that much food might be supplied b cultivation of vacant va-cant city lots and yards. A'r. Houston urged particularly that as a means of preventing "consplc-vous "consplc-vous production wastes'" of important st. pie cereals, proper attention be given giv-en to the selection and safeguarding " eed for planting, the preparation of the land and the care of the crop. ' Under existing conditions," he said, "every precaution should be taken (1) to reduce production wastes by test-in,1: test-in,1: seed sufficiently in advance to in sure against the planting of dead seed; C2) to treat with disinfecting dip? all seed subject to diseases that can be prevented, such as the smuts of wheat, barley, oats and rye, the lo ses from which are estimated conservatively con-servatively at $50,000,000 to $60,000,-000 $60,000,-000 in the average year. (3) to pre-pa.e pre-pa.e especially thoroughly for planting plant-ing these vitally important cereal crops and to care for them as may be necessary during the season." Reduce Wastes. The statement also declared it was especially important to reduce the risk of wastes in northern staple vegetables, veg-etables, such as potatoes, cabbage and onion?. Pointing out that Beed stocks are low, Secretan Houston suggested sug-gested that all seed potatoes be treated treat-ed for scab before planting and that equipment for plant spraying should be on band, It being added that "a widespread outbreak of blight throughout through-out the important potato producing i. i triers (which, fortunately, rarely occurs except in restricted areas) might diminish production at 'he rate of 3,000,000 bushels a day during August Au-gust and September, if prolonged rain) weather should occur." Preventable potato diseases, the secretary sec-retary said, frequently reduce the crop from 50,000,000 to 100,000, bushels. "Some of the most conspicuous crop wastes," the statement continued, "occur "oc-cur with fruits and vegetables, of which, in normal years, largei quantities quanti-ties usually are grown than the pro ducers can market profitably. Frequently Fre-quently these losses are due indirectly to disease and inject injury, which lower their market value without reducing re-ducing their food value material! if they can be utilized promptly b) drying, dry-ing, canning and other prese rvative methods I'nder existing conditions e . r practicable step should he taken tak-en to protect these crops throughout the season an.) to ullhze and preserve them as full) as possible when they ha e matured." Save Fruits The Btatemenl declared that fruits and vegetables, "which ordinarily it is inadvisable to attempt to conserve," should be systematic illy sawcl now fanning, dryiug and preserving operations) oper-ations) it is added, should not be delayed de-layed until late summer or autumn. And family gardens should be planm d to supply ample Quantities of earl) maturing fruits and vegetables for preservation and fresh products for immediate consumption. Because of the scarcity of tin plate and the high prices of tin cans," Sec retar) Houston continued, "it may be necessary In household preservation I of food more extensively to pack fruit land vegetables in other containers'' ou |