Typhoon Bavi Causes NT$37.73 Million in Agricultural Losses, Persimmons Most Severely Affected

(CNA reporter Wang Shu-fen, Taipei, August 13) Typhoon Bavi has caused partial agricultural damage. According to statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture, as of 5 p.m. today, estimated losses in agricultural products and private facilities amount to NT$37.73 million. Persimmons sustained the most severe damage, with losses reaching NT$14.85 million.

In a press release, the Ministry of Agriculture stated that, based on data compiled by the Agricultural Production and Marketing Office from reports submitted by municipalities, counties, and city governments, estimated losses in agricultural products and private facilities reached NT$37.73 million by 5 p.m.

Regarding crop losses, the Ministry estimated NT$34.43 million in agricultural damage. A total of 400 hectares of farmland was affected, with a damage rate of 23%, equivalent to 93 hectares with no harvestable yield. The most severely affected crop was persimmons, with 76 hectares damaged, a damage rate of 31%, 23 hectares with no harvest, and financial losses of NT$14.85 million. Other affected crops include bananas, jujubes, peaches, and first-season rice.

By region, the Ministry reported that Miaoli County suffered the highest losses at NT$15.79 million (42% of total), followed by Hsinchu County at NT$8.6 million, Pingtung County at NT$3.49 million, New Taipei City at NT$2.25 million, and Taichung City at NT$2.24 million.

Additionally, private infrastructure losses amounted to NT$3.3 million, including NT$3.09 million from farmland erosion and burial—mainly due to 1.8 hectares of farmland erosion in New Taipei City and 1.6 hectares of farmland burial in Hsinchu County. Agricultural facility damage totaled NT$210,000, primarily affecting horizontal trellis net houses and plastic greenhouse structures in Taoyuan City.

The Ministry of Agriculture stated that agricultural damage data is being continuously compiled and updated. (Editor: Lee Shu-hua) 1150713