Taiwan Agriculture Ministry Offers Up to 80% Subsidy for Replaced Farm Machinery After Heavy Rains

Taiwan's Ministry of Agriculture is launching a significant support package to help farmers recover from severe agricultural losses caused by heavy rains in late August. The downpours have resulted in damages exceeding NT$140 million, with southern Taiwan bearing the brunt of the impact.

A key component of the recovery effort is a special subsidy program aimed at replacing damaged agricultural and fishery machinery. Farmers can receive subsidies covering up to 80% of the actual purchase price for essential equipment like tractors and aerators that were destroyed by flooding.

In addition to machinery replacement, the ministry will offer a one-year interest-free low-interest loan measure. This initiative aims to provide immediate financial relief to affected farmers, allowing them to restart their operations without the burden of early interest payments. Existing loans will automatically receive the interest-free period, while new loans will be interest-free for one year from the disbursement date.

The ministry is also extending disaster relief cash assistance to various agricultural products and livestock in affected areas, including Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung. Following the immediate relief efforts, a "Post-Disaster Recovery Service Group" will be activated to assist with environmental disinfection and pest control once floodwaters recede.