While inspecting Yu He Pao lychee plantations in Dashu District of Kaohsiung City today, Premier Lin Chuan expressed hope that the central and local governments, regardless of political affiliations, will work together to market Taiwan's agriculture to other advanced nations and maintain its international competitiveness.
Lin said he expects relevant agencies to continue improving agricultural technology and facilities, and hopes agricultural insurance options will increase so that farmers have more protections.
Agriculture is a major aspect of government administration, the premier noted. Whether in terms of such factors as geography, topography, skills and quality of farmers, or regional cultural characteristics, Taiwan's agricultural conditions are favorable and its agriculture can advance further based on existing foundations, Lin pointed out.
Good agricultural products rely not only on farmers' efforts, but also on external factors such as weather conditions, the premier added. He visited the plantations today out of concern for the serious losses suffered by farmers as a result of this year's abnormally chilly weather and heavy rainfall. The anomalous weather caused by global warming has greatly affected agriculture, and the government is obligated to help affected farmers pass through this difficult stage, Lin remarked.
The Council of Agriculture (COA) stated that domestic lychee plantations cover some 10,350 hectares. This January's chilly weather and continuous rainfall have resulted in Yu He Pao lychees bearing fewer flowers and fruits. The Kaohsiung City Government has reported that some 2,600 hectares have been damaged, with losses amounting to 30 to 40 percent, equivalent to a monetary loss of NT$105 million (US$3.21 million). In Dashu District alone 1,480 hectares were damaged, the COA noted.
The COA has promulgated that Kaohsiung City is an area deserving monetary relief for Yu He Pao lychees, and the COA has already started processing farmers' relief applications beginning May 20. All farmers who meet the criteria will receive subsidies of NT$90,000 (US$2,748) per hectare of damage.