Heavy Rain Causes Over NT$82.89 Million in Agricultural Damage, Peanuts Suffer Highest Loss of NT$17.81 Million

(CNA reporter Wang Shu-fen, Taipei, June 17) The Ministry of Agriculture announced today that heavy rains starting June 8 have caused agricultural damage, with total losses reaching NT$82.89 million. Among the affected crops, peanuts suffered the highest loss at NT$17.81 million.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Agriculture, heavy rains beginning on June 8 have led to agricultural disasters. The Agricultural Production and Marketing Office and the Forestry and Natural Conservation Agency compiled data reported by municipalities and county governments. As of 5:00 p.m. today, estimated losses to agricultural products and private facilities amount to NT$82.89 million.

Agricultural product losses are estimated at NT$82.77 million, with 2,410 hectares affected and a damage rate of 18%. This equates to 424 hectares with no harvestable yield. The most severely affected crop was peanuts, with 591 hectares damaged, a damage rate of 21%, 124 hectares with no harvest, and losses totaling NT$17.81 million. Other significant losses include papaya at approximately NT$10.5 million, first-season rice at NT$9.23 million, watermelon at NT$7.27 million, and taro at NT$5.2 million.

By region, Pingtung County suffered the highest losses at NT$32.65 million (39% of total), followed by Yunlin County at NT$21.34 million (26%) and Tainan City at NT$14.46 million (17%). Forest product losses amounted to NT$30,000, primarily due to damaged trees. Private facility losses totaled NT$90,000, mainly from damaged horizontal trellis net houses.

The Ministry of Agriculture has announced cash relief and low-interest loan programs for affected crops and regions that meet the disaster assistance criteria. (Editor: Li Heng-shan) 1150617