Typhoon Bawu causes over NT$20 million in agricultural damage across Taiwan; persimmons hit hardest

Typhoon Bawu has left a trail of significant agricultural damage across Taiwan, with total losses estimated to exceed NT$20 million. The storm's heavy rains, particularly in northern Taiwan's mountainous areas, have devastated crops and damaged infrastructure.

Miaoli County has borne the brunt of the agricultural impact, reporting losses of NT$15.72 million. Among the affected crops, persimmons have suffered the most severe damage, with losses reaching NT$12.16 million. Other crops like wax apples, bitter gourds, and early-season rice also sustained considerable losses, amounting to NT$2.88 million, NT$1.01 million, and NT$930,000 respectively.

Beyond crop damage, the typhoon also caused losses to agricultural infrastructure. New Taipei reported approximately NT$1.8 million in farmland loss, while Taoyuan experienced about NT$100,000 in damage to greenhouse plastic sheeting and other facilities. The Ministry of Agriculture compiled these figures based on reports from local governments as of 5 PM on August 12th.