Continuous Rain During Qingming Festival Causes Root Rot in Erlun Watermelons and Pumpkins; Yunlin County Government Inspects and Seeks Cash Relief
Continuous heavy rain during the Qingming Festival caused root rot and plant death in some watermelon and pumpkin fields in Erlun Township, Yunlin County. Yunlin County Magistrate Chang Li-shan and others inspected the sites today, confirming that 40% of watermelons and pumpkins in Erlun were damaged. The county government will recommend cash relief from the central government. Yunlin County cultivates 472 hectares of watermelons and 282 hectares of pumpkins, with Erlun Township being the largest cultivation area.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 14, 2026 at 16:41
- 🔍 Collected: April 14, 2026 at 17:01 (20 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 14, 2026 at 17:39 (37 min after Collected)
Yunlin County, April 14 (Central News Agency reporter Chiang Yi-ching) - Continuous heavy rain during the Qingming Festival caused root rot and plant death in some watermelon and pumpkin fields in Erlun Township, Yunlin County, due to poor drainage. County Magistrate Chang Li-shan and others inspected the sites today, and with 40% of Erlun's watermelons and pumpkins damaged, they will recommend cash relief from the central government.
According to statistics from the Yunlin County Agriculture Department, Yunlin County has 472 hectares of watermelon cultivation, with Erlun Township having the most at 118 hectares. The entire county has 282 hectares of pumpkin cultivation, with Erlun Township also having the most at 48 hectares.
KMT Legislator Chang Chia-chun, Yunlin County Magistrate Chang Li-shan, and Yunlin County Agriculture Department Director Wei Sheng-te today inspected the damaged watermelon and pumpkin fields in Erlun Township.
Chang Li-shan stated that during the continuous rain over the Qingming period, most sandy melon fields had good drainage and were unaffected. However, some fields with less permeable soil experienced root rot, preventing the absorption of water and nutrients. Although the appearance seemed intact, the sweetness was insufficient, and watermelons that were just over 10 days away from harvest could not be harvested.
Chang Li-shan said that the damage rates for watermelons and pumpkins in Erlun Township both exceeded the 5% threshold for agricultural natural disaster non-harvest area relief. Additionally, individual fields with over 20% damage can meet the conditions for natural disaster cash relief application. After the township office reports the disaster data to the county government, the Agriculture Department will immediately send a letter to the Ministry of Agriculture to announce cash relief for watermelons and pumpkins in Erlun Township.
Wei Sheng-te reminded that if watermelons and pumpkins in other townships are damaged, the county government will also promptly invite the Tainan District Agricultural Research and Extension Station and the Agriculture and Food Agency to conduct a four-party inspection. Farmers with damage should report to the township office and use the Agricultural Industry Natural Disaster On-site Photo APP to take photos for evidence, which will serve as the basis for the township office's approval of relief. (Editor: Chen Jen-hua) 1150414
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According to statistics from the Yunlin County Agriculture Department, Yunlin County has 472 hectares of watermelon cultivation, with Erlun Township having the most at 118 hectares. The entire county has 282 hectares of pumpkin cultivation, with Erlun Township also having the most at 48 hectares.
KMT Legislator Chang Chia-chun, Yunlin County Magistrate Chang Li-shan, and Yunlin County Agriculture Department Director Wei Sheng-te today inspected the damaged watermelon and pumpkin fields in Erlun Township.
Chang Li-shan stated that during the continuous rain over the Qingming period, most sandy melon fields had good drainage and were unaffected. However, some fields with less permeable soil experienced root rot, preventing the absorption of water and nutrients. Although the appearance seemed intact, the sweetness was insufficient, and watermelons that were just over 10 days away from harvest could not be harvested.
Chang Li-shan said that the damage rates for watermelons and pumpkins in Erlun Township both exceeded the 5% threshold for agricultural natural disaster non-harvest area relief. Additionally, individual fields with over 20% damage can meet the conditions for natural disaster cash relief application. After the township office reports the disaster data to the county government, the Agriculture Department will immediately send a letter to the Ministry of Agriculture to announce cash relief for watermelons and pumpkins in Erlun Township.
Wei Sheng-te reminded that if watermelons and pumpkins in other townships are damaged, the county government will also promptly invite the Tainan District Agricultural Research and Extension Station and the Agriculture and Food Agency to conduct a four-party inspection. Farmers with damage should report to the township office and use the Agricultural Industry Natural Disaster On-site Photo APP to take photos for evidence, which will serve as the basis for the township office's approval of relief. (Editor: Chen Jen-hua) 1150414
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FAQ
What crops were affected in Erlun Township?
Watermelons and pumpkins were affected.
What caused the damage?
Continuous heavy rain during the Qingming Festival led to root rot.