Ministry of Agriculture Promotes Smart Farming, Aims for Over 70% Adoption Rate in 10 Years

(CNA reporter Wang Shu-fen, Taipei, June 16) The Ministry of Agriculture held a press conference today to present achievements in smart agriculture. Minister Chen Chun-chi said that after 10 years of promoting smart agriculture, approximately 25% of farmers have adopted it. Over the next decade, under the 'Smart Agriculture 2.0' initiative, the ministry will work to lower adoption barriers, estimating that smart farming adoption could rise to over 70%.

Chen noted challenges such as climate change, labor shortages, and supply chain restructuring. Since 2017 (Minguo Year 106), the Ministry has promoted smart agriculture, shifting farmers from individual operations to alliance-based cooperation models. This overall direction is considered successful, with about 25% of farmers now involved in some stage of smart agriculture.

Chen stated that over the next 10 years, the Ministry will advance 'Smart Agriculture 2.0,' centered on a more comprehensive smart agriculture ecosystem. By connecting industries, smart service providers, and technology researchers, the ministry aims to drive agricultural innovation, with smart farming adoption potentially reaching 70% to 80%.

The 10-year plan will be divided into two five-year phases. The first phase will invest approximately NT$4.86 billion, and the second phase will continue with nearly NT$500 million annually in science and technology funding. The government will provide full support to farmers, industries, or corporate groups interested in adoption.

A Taiwanese tilapia farmer shared how smart technology improved aquaculture equipment, real-time water quality monitoring, and environmental surveillance. Real-time data allows precise control of pond operations, including paddlewheel aerators, water levels, and feeding, via integrated data systems. These functions can now be operated remotely through a smartphone app on a smart platform.

The farmer demonstrated the system live on a central screen, with Minister Chen participating.

According to Ministry statistics, over the past decade, more than 200 technology transfers have been completed, 10 startups have been incubated, over 400 smart farms and application sites established, attracting NT$2.9 billion in investment and generating NT$2.27 billion in added value.

A Ministry survey shows that in 2025 (Year 114), the national smart agriculture equipment usage rate reached 25%, up 3 percentage points from 22% in 2023 (Year 112).

Today's event also showcased 23 achievements in smart agriculture ecosystem development, technology commercialization, and industry services, including the 'Smart Mushroom Environmental Control System,' 'Export Flower Shipment Management Platform,' 'Precision Drone Agricultural Spraying Application,' 'Smart Precision Feeding System for Aquaculture,' and 'Poultry Respiratory Disease Voiceprint Detection Device.' (Edited by Li Heng-shan) 1150616