April Heavy Rains Cause Crop Damage in Kaohsiung, Relief for Cantaloupe, Watermelon to Begin in May

(CNA reporter Tsai Meng-hsien, Kaohsiung, 30th) Heavy rains in early April in Kaohsiung caused damage to cantaloupe, watermelon, and the root systems of melons in Gangshan, Alian, and Lujhu districts, leading to fruit deterioration. The city will therefore process agricultural natural disaster cash relief and low-interest loans, with relief amounts of NT$64,000 or NT$80,000 per hectare. Applications will be accepted starting May 1.

Kaohsiung City's Agriculture Bureau and district offices received feedback from farmers that early April's heavy rains caused damage to the root systems of cantaloupe, watermelon, and melons in Gangshan, Alian, and Lujhu districts, leading to withered vines and fruit deterioration. On April 21, the Agriculture Bureau invited the Kaohsiung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station, the Agriculture and Food Agency, and district offices to confirm the damage to cantaloupe, watermelon, and melons due to the heavy rains.

The Agriculture Bureau stated that after confirmation, the estimated overall damage exceeded 30%, and a letter was sent to the central government to seek relief. The Ministry of Agriculture today announced that these crops are included in the cash relief program: NT$80,000 per hectare for cantaloupe and melons, and NT$64,000 per hectare for watermelons. Applications will be accepted from May 1 to May 15.

The Agriculture Bureau today issued a press release reminding farmers who cultivate cantaloupe, watermelon in Kaohsiung City, and melons in Gangshan, Alian, and Lujhu districts, with damage exceeding 20%, to first use the 'Agricultural Natural Disaster On-site Photo APP' to take photos, and to be sure to submit their applications by May 15 (holidays included).

The Agriculture Bureau stated that farmers must bring their ID card, seal, farmers' association passbook, and land ownership certificate or land use consent form and other relevant documents to the affected district office as soon as possible to apply for cash relief. The city government will fully assist, accelerate disaster assessment and cash relief distribution; if low-interest loans are needed for replanting, they can also be processed at local farmers' associations. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 1150430

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