Yunlin Peanut Crop Damaged by Rain; Council of Agriculture Launches Natural Disaster Cash Relief

Central News Agency reporter Chiang Yi-Ching, Yunlin County, June 16 — Persistent rainfall has flooded first-season peanut fields in Yunlin County, resulting in widespread rotting and sprouting. Democratic Progressive Party legislator Liu Chien-kuo and Kuomintang legislator Chang Chia-chun have conducted on-site inspections over recent days, prompting the Council of Agriculture to announce cash relief for agricultural natural disasters.

According to the Council of Agriculture’s announcement, Yunlin’s peanut production areas are now included in the regions eligible for natural disaster cash assistance and low-interest loans to help farmers reduce losses. The compensation per hectare has been raised from the previous NT$30,000 to NT$36,000. Farmers with damage rates exceeding 20% may apply at their local township offices between June 17 and July 1.

Yunlin entered its first peanut harvest season in early June, but continuous rains have left fields muddy and difficult to access, with many fields submerged in water.

Yesterday, Liu Chien-kuo visited Shui-lin Township, Pei-kang Township, and Yuan-chang Township with Hsu Hui-ying, Deputy Director of the Central Branch of the Agricultural and Food Agency under the Council of Agriculture, Yuan-chang Township Mayor Li Ming-ming, and DPP-affiliated Yunlin County Council member Tsai Meng-chen to assess crop damage.

Hsu Hui-ying stated that the damage has met the criteria for relief, and the branch will expedite the approval process to fully protect farmers’ rights. She urged farmers to photograph or report cases of sprouting or rotting immediately.

Today, Chang Chia-chun conducted on-site inspections in Hu-wei Township, Mai-liao Township, and Sihu Township with officials from the Council of Agriculture, the Agricultural and Food Agency, and Yunlin County Government. She called for swift, broad, and simplified disaster relief procedures and requested that peanuts harvested early due to heavy rains also be included in compensation claims. (Edited by Li Ming-tsung) 1150616