Yunlin accounts for 82% of estimated damage, with garlic hit hardest.

Typhoon Champi caused an estimated NT$133.36 million (US$4.2 million) in agricultural losses across Taiwan, with Yunlin County accounting for 82% of the total, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.

Yunlin County recorded the largest losses at NT$109.6 million, followed by Yilan County at NT$8.39 million, New Taipei at NT$7.24 million, Taoyuan at NT$3.46 million, Taichung at NT$2.64 million and Hualien County at NT$1.96 million, per CNA.

Among agricultural products, garlic suffered the greatest losses, estimated at NT$53.07 million. The crop sustained damage across 326 hectares, with a reported damage severity of 39%, equivalent to about 126 hectares of total crop loss.

Overall, 2,405 hectares of farmland were affected, with an average damage severity of 25%, equivalent to 594 hectares of total crop loss. Other affected crops included peanuts, onions, sweet corn, and tea. 

Strong winds and heavy rain caused crop leaves to turn yellow or tear, plants to fall over, and vegetation to wilt, according to an Agriculture and Food Agency report.

Damage to private agricultural facilities was estimated at NT$290,000, mainly due to torn plastic coverings on greenhouses. About 5 hectares were affected, with an estimated damage rate of 30%.

Agricultural officials have pledged to speed up damage assessments and relief efforts to help affected farmers get back on their feet and resume production. The ministry said assessments were ongoing, so the final damage estimates could change as more reports are processed.

Source - https://www.taiwannews.com.tw