In response to the adverse effects of early-year droughts on fruit production, Hualien County in Taiwan is offering financial aid to its growers. The local government sought support from the Ministry of Agriculture, leading to the provision of NT$80,000 (US$2,447) per hectare for those who have experienced a minimum of 20% production loss, as reported by CNA. This announcement was made on Wednesday, July 3, with Chen Shu-wen, the Director of Hualien's Department of Agriculture, confirming the eligibility criteria for the assistance.
Rainfall in Hualien during February and March was significantly below the average, with the Central Weather Administration reporting 56 and 21 mm respectively. This scarcity of rain has particularly affected the region's Matou Wentan pomelo producers, who account for nearly a quarter of Taiwan's output of the fruit. The area, with 890 hectares dedicated to pomelo cultivation, ranks as the second-largest production region for the fruit in the country.
Source: taiwannews.com.tw