Sudden Spring Rains Cause Garlic to Split in Yunlin Fields, County Seeks Disaster Relief
Garlic in Yunlin County has suffered severe damage due to sudden spring rains, causing bulbs to split and rot in the fields. Farmers face heavy losses, with yields significantly reduced. Legislators and the county government are advocating for the Ministry of Agriculture to initiate cash relief for natural disasters to protect farmers' livelihoods.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 7, 2026 at 11:40
- 🔍 Collected: April 7, 2026 at 12:00 (20 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 15, 2026 at 12:23 (192h 23m after Collected)
Yunlin County's garlic harvesting area this year is 5,547 hectares, with nearly 70% already harvested. Yesterday, as the rain eased, many garlic farmers rushed to harvest to minimize losses.
Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Liu Chien-kuo yesterday invited experts from the Agriculture and Food Agency and agricultural research stations to inspect coastal townships in Yunlin County. The Yunlin County Government today launched a four-party inspection, with Kuomintang Legislators Chang Chia-chun and Ding Hsueh-chung, and Yunlin County Deputy Magistrate Hsieh Shu-ya, among others, visiting Sihhu to understand the current situation.
Garlic farmer Huang Chao-tung, who has been growing garlic for decades, said that he cultivates 30 hectares and has harvested 3 hectares so far. In previous years, each 0.1 hectare could yield 2,500 catties, but this year, due to pests and diseases, the garlic bulbs are small, yielding less than 2,000 catties per 0.1 hectare. In addition, recent spring rains have led to high soil moisture content in the fields, with garlic soaking in the muddy soil, making it impossible for agricultural machinery to operate.
Huang Chao-tung detailed the costs of cultivation and labor, stating that with the severe damage to garlic, even wet garlic at NT$15 per catty might not sell. Even with natural disaster cash subsidies, the more they plant, the more they lose, leaving them 'tearless.'
Chen Chun-jen, head of the Tainan Agricultural Research and Extension Station, said after yesterday's inspection that the fields are severely waterlogged, and the soil moisture saturation is extremely high. Many unharvested garlic bulbs have been soaking in water for a long time, coupled with high temperatures during intermittent sunshine, leading to a fermented odor in the fields and obvious rot and damage to the garlic bulbs, which has a substantial impact on overall yield and quality.
Liu Chien-kuo yesterday requested the Ministry of Agriculture to formulate relevant supporting measures to fully protect the basic livelihoods and rights of garlic farmers.
Chang Chia-chun and Ding Hsueh-chung pointed out that with garlic rotting in the fields and the need for more labor costs for urgent harvesting, garlic farmers are facing total losses. The Ministry of Agriculture is holding an expert meeting today, hoping that the central government will initiate natural disaster cash relief to reassure farmers. They also urged farmers to contact their township offices and use an app to take photos to facilitate subsequent application procedures. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150407
Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Liu Chien-kuo yesterday invited experts from the Agriculture and Food Agency and agricultural research stations to inspect coastal townships in Yunlin County. The Yunlin County Government today launched a four-party inspection, with Kuomintang Legislators Chang Chia-chun and Ding Hsueh-chung, and Yunlin County Deputy Magistrate Hsieh Shu-ya, among others, visiting Sihhu to understand the current situation.
Garlic farmer Huang Chao-tung, who has been growing garlic for decades, said that he cultivates 30 hectares and has harvested 3 hectares so far. In previous years, each 0.1 hectare could yield 2,500 catties, but this year, due to pests and diseases, the garlic bulbs are small, yielding less than 2,000 catties per 0.1 hectare. In addition, recent spring rains have led to high soil moisture content in the fields, with garlic soaking in the muddy soil, making it impossible for agricultural machinery to operate.
Huang Chao-tung detailed the costs of cultivation and labor, stating that with the severe damage to garlic, even wet garlic at NT$15 per catty might not sell. Even with natural disaster cash subsidies, the more they plant, the more they lose, leaving them 'tearless.'
Chen Chun-jen, head of the Tainan Agricultural Research and Extension Station, said after yesterday's inspection that the fields are severely waterlogged, and the soil moisture saturation is extremely high. Many unharvested garlic bulbs have been soaking in water for a long time, coupled with high temperatures during intermittent sunshine, leading to a fermented odor in the fields and obvious rot and damage to the garlic bulbs, which has a substantial impact on overall yield and quality.
Liu Chien-kuo yesterday requested the Ministry of Agriculture to formulate relevant supporting measures to fully protect the basic livelihoods and rights of garlic farmers.
Chang Chia-chun and Ding Hsueh-chung pointed out that with garlic rotting in the fields and the need for more labor costs for urgent harvesting, garlic farmers are facing total losses. The Ministry of Agriculture is holding an expert meeting today, hoping that the central government will initiate natural disaster cash relief to reassure farmers. They also urged farmers to contact their township offices and use an app to take photos to facilitate subsequent application procedures. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150407
FAQ
What kind of damage occurred to garlic in Yunlin County?
Garlic in Yunlin County suffered from splitting and rotting in the fields due to spring rains, leading to significantly reduced yields.
What kind of assistance are farmers seeking?
Farmers are requesting the Ministry of Agriculture to initiate cash relief for natural disasters.