Hualien Guangfu Pummelo Crops Affected by March Drought, Subsidy of NT$95,000 per Hectare Announced

(CNA reporter Li Hsien-feng, Hualien, July 13) — A drought in March 2025 has caused widespread damage to pummelo orchards in Guangfu Township, Hualien County, with symptoms including leaf yellowing, weakened tree vigor, and poor fruit set. In response, the Council of Agriculture has designated the region as eligible for cash disaster relief, providing a subsidy of NT$95,000 per hectare. Applications are now open and will be accepted until July 24.

The Hualien County Government reported that insufficient rainfall since March has negatively impacted pummelo growth and fruiting. After receiving reports from local farmers, the county government promptly dispatched a disaster assessment team, composed of relevant agencies, to conduct on-site inspections. Upon confirming the extent of the damage, the county swiftly submitted the case to the Council of Agriculture to apply for natural disaster relief funding.

Chen Shu-wen, Director of the Hualien County Agriculture Department, explained that the disaster relief subsidy is set at NT$95,000 per hectare. Eligible farmers must be natural persons actively engaged in agricultural production and must demonstrate crop loss rates of at least 20% to qualify. Applications with loss rates below 20% will not be approved.

Farmers can submit their applications and required documentation at the township, city, or rural office where their land is located, starting immediately and through July 24, including weekends.

The Agriculture Department emphasized that applicants must comply with the regulations for agricultural natural disaster relief. Only individuals actually engaged in farming are eligible, and relief is granted only when the reported loss rate reaches or exceeds 20%.

The county government urges farmers to report any signs of natural disaster damage to their crops immediately to their local township office. They are also encouraged to use the Council of Agriculture’s “On-site Agricultural Disaster Photography App” to document damage, which will assist in subsequent verification and assessment procedures. The county government will continue coordinating with local offices and relevant agencies to monitor agricultural damage and relief progress, supporting affected farmers in resuming production as soon as possible and safeguarding their rights and interests. (Editor: Chen Jen-hua) 1150713