Continuous heavy rains this past week have caused widespread agricultural damage across Taiwan, with nationwide losses of about NT$108 million (US$3.4 million) recorded as of 11am today, the Ministry of Agriculture said.

Affected by strong southwest winds and a low-pressure system, southern Taiwan has experienced days of torrential downpours.

Based on data compiled from local governments, total agricultural losses have reached NT$108.29 million, the ministry said.

Chiayi County sustained the heaviest damage, reporting losses of NT$41.77 million.

Crop damage accounted for the majority of the financial toll at about NT$90.84 million.

Livestock losses reached about NT$2.08 million, primarily affecting chickens, while fishery losses were estimated at NT$12.31 million, with milkfish sustaining the most damage, followed by marble goby and tilapia.

Among crops, papayas were the most severely affected, with 127 hectares damaged.

With a damage rate of 27 percent, losses for the fruit totaled NT$20.14 million.

This was followed by guavas (NT$13.82 million), peanuts (NT$8.75 million), scallions (NT$8.50 million) and bamboo shoots (NT$7.24 million).

To help farmers resume operations, the ministry announced that farmers in Chiayi City, Chiayi County, Tainan, Kaohsiung and Pingtung County are eligible for natural disaster cash relief and low-interest recovery loans.

All aquaculture ponds in Tainan and Kaohsiung have also been included in the relief program.

In addition, the Agricultural Finance Agency after reviewing insurance policies found that four weather-index policies covering aquaculture, papayas, wax apples and guavas have met the threshold for payouts, with claims totaling NT$21 million.

Households affected by flooding of 30cm to 50cm can also apply for NT$10,000 to NT$20,000 in relief, along with an additional NT$10,000 subsidy for damaged home appliances, President William Lai (賴清德) said.

Source - https://www.taipeitimes.com