Rain-induced agricultural losses near US$3 million: Ministry

Taipei, June 27 (CNA) Extremely heavy rain that has pounded the country over the past week has caused agricultural losses totaling more than NT$95 million (US$2.98 million) as of Saturday morning, with most of the losses concentrated in southern Taiwan, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.

The ministry also announced on Saturday that it will issue subsidies and provide low-interest loans to farmers in Kaohsiung and Pingtung County who have been hit hardest by the downpours, to help them restore their farmland.

According to updated agricultural disaster reports compiled by the Ministry of Agriculture based on assessments submitted by local governments, Kaohsiung recorded the highest losses at approximately NT$49.25 million, accounting for 52 percent of the total, followed by Pingtung County with NT$37.89 million, or 40 percent, and Taoyuan with NT$6.16 million, or 6 percent.

Crop losses were estimated at NT$83.7 million. A total of 874 hectares of farmland was affected, with an average damage rate of 24 percent, translating into 209 hectares of complete crop losses.

Guavas were the hardest-hit crop, with 183 hectares affected and an average damage rate of 30 percent, resulting in losses of NT$32.34 million. They were followed by papayas, chives, pineapples and melons.

Losses in the livestock sector were estimated at NT$5.77 million, with chickens accounting for the largest share at NT$3.64 million, followed by pigs, ducks, and geese.

Aquaculture losses were estimated at NT$5.74 million. Giant river prawns sustained the greatest losses at NT$4.4 million, followed by bass and tilapia.