Late August Rains Cause Over NT$100 Million in Agricultural Losses Across Taiwan; Papayas Hit Hardest

Taiwan's agricultural sector faces over NT$100 million in losses due to continuous heavy rainfall in late August. The Ministry of Agriculture compiled data from local governments, reporting total agricultural damage at NT$108.29 million as of Tuesday morning.

Chiayi County reported the most severe impact, with losses reaching NT$41.77 million. Among the affected crops, papayas suffered the heaviest blow, accounting for NT$20.14 million in losses. Other significantly impacted crops include guava, peanuts, green onions, and bamboo shoots.

The heavy rains, driven by a strong southwest monsoon and a low-pressure system, particularly affected southern Taiwan. Agricultural losses amounted to approximately NT$90.84 million, while livestock losses, mainly chickens, were around NT$2.08 million. Fisheries also sustained losses of about NT$12.31 million, primarily affecting milkfish and marble goby.

In response, the Ministry of Agriculture has proactively announced cash relief for all agricultural products and livestock in Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung, excluding livestock sheds and compost facilities. Aquaculture ponds in Tainan and Kaohsiung are also eligible for disaster relief. Additionally, agricultural insurance policies for aquaculture, papaya, wax apple, and guava have met the payout criteria, totaling NT$21 million.