Premier Cho Jung-tai Visits Smart Greenhouse in Taichung, Promotes Agricultural Smart Upgrade

(CNA reporter Wu Zhehao, Taichung, 5th) Premier of the Executive Yuan, Cho Jung-tai, visited a smart greenhouse producing shiitake mushrooms in Xinshe District, Taichung City today. Cho stated that Taiwan is moving from smart manufacturing to becoming a major application country, and in agriculture, besides improving production efficiency, it requires the efforts of farmers and the government to allow the people to enjoy healthy agricultural products.

Accompanied by Minister of Agriculture Chen Chun-chi and Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Ho Hsin-chun, Cho visited the Senmu Farm in Xinshe District, Taichung City. Minister Chen explained to Cho and others about a reinforced water-curtain greenhouse for mushrooms at the farm. The greenhouse can stabilize the environment, uses vertical cultivation methods to improve space efficiency, and utilizes sensor data to monitor growth status in real-time, ensuring safe mushroom production year-round.

In his speech, Cho said that smart technology should be applied not only in industry but also in agriculture. The regions of Changhua, Taichung, Nantou, and Yunlin are designated as the 'Precision Smart New Core' within the six major regional industrial and living circles in the country, aiming to upgrade local agriculture into smart new agriculture. None of the six regions will remove their local characteristics; instead, they will use industrial and technological power to upgrade agricultural technology and increase output.

Cho pointed out that Taiwan has faced many natural disasters in recent years, and the government is promoting 'Resilient Taiwan,' with agriculture being the most vulnerable link. Referring to greenhouses in southern counties like Chiayi and Tainan being blown away by strong winds, Cho said that if farmers used steel-framed greenhouses like the one visited today, it would not only protect farmers' rights but also make government subsidies more effective.

Cho stated that agriculture can also be combined with energy. Installing solar panels on greenhouse roofs can provide electricity for the greenhouse and promote energy development.

Cho noted that the Minister of Agriculture shares his view: when combining agriculture and energy, agriculture must take priority, and the production of agriculture and fisheries must be protected, as it remains the most important for the nation.

Cho indicated that President Lai Ching-te has proposed the concept of 'Happy Agriculture, Happy Farmers.' The government hopes that after farmers' hard work, besides improving quality, quantity, and technology, it also aims to enhance farmers' welfare. Plans are being made to increase the old-age farmer welfare allowance from the current NT$8,110 to NT$10,000, and to change the government's contribution ratio for the farmer retirement savings from a 50-50 split to 60% from the government and 40% from the farmer.

Cho said that Taiwan must move from being a smart manufacturing powerhouse to a smart application powerhouse. In agriculture, besides increasing production efficiency, allowing the people to enjoy natural and healthy agricultural products requires the joint efforts of farmers and the government. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150605