Premier Cho Jung-tai visited Taitung County on Saturday to review agricultural losses caused by Typhoon Podul. He was joined by Agriculture Minister Chen Chun-chi and other officials. The visit included inspections of custard apple and banana farms, where Cho listened to farmers' concerns and called for faster recovery work.
Cho emphasized the importance of reducing gaps between central and local authorities and ensuring that farmers feel supported during the recovery process.
Government figures show that around 2,794 hectares of farmland were affected, with total crop losses estimated at NT$304.9 million (US$10.2 million). Custard apples, bananas, ginger, and pomelos were among the most impacted crops, many still in their development stage.
The Agriculture Ministry announced that all agricultural products in Taitung, with the exception of rice, are eligible for cash aid and low-interest loans. To speed up relief, certain crops such as custard apples, bananas, guavas, and pomelos are exempt from on-site inspections.
Chen explained that cash aid covers about 20% of losses, while subsidies for reconstruction projects can cover up to 80%. He added that one-year interest-free disaster loans, higher loan ceilings, and a two-year deferment on principal payments for existing loans are also available.
Source: Taiwan News