Hualien Watermelons Hit the Market, Matianan River Overflow Leads to Land Relocation and Better Quality
Hualien watermelons are now on the market, with AI artificial intelligence (tapping stick) used to inspect ripeness. Although the Matianan River overflow reduced cultivation by about 100 hectares, farmers relocated to other lands, resulting in even better quality. The total estimated production is over 20,000 metric tons, with prices similar to previous years.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 4, 2026 at 18:26
- 🔍 Collected: May 4, 2026 at 18:31 (5 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 4, 2026 at 19:07 (35 min after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Li Hsien-feng, Hualien, 4th) With the application of AI artificial intelligence, the ripeness of Hualien watermelons can now be inspected using AI (tapping stick). Additionally, due to the Matianan River overflow, the Department of Agriculture indicated that watermelon cultivation decreased by about 100 hectares. However, farmers relocated to other lands, resulting in even better quality and taste. The overall production is estimated to be over 20,000 metric tons, with prices similar to previous years.
The Hualien County Government held a press conference for the "Hualien Watermelon Festival" today afternoon at the county hall auditorium, announcing the start of the annual event. In addition to inviting President Huang Neng-fu of Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology to present the AI watermelon ripeness identification system (tapping stick), Hualien native and Wei Chuan Dragons baseball player Tseng Sheng-an was also invited to endorse local agricultural products and jointly kick off the event with County Magistrate Hsu Chen-wei. It was also announced that Wei Chuan Dragons cheerleading squad member Lee Da-hye will participate in a series of follow-up activities.
County Magistrate Hsu Chen-wei stated in her speech that Hualien watermelons take about 60 days from planting to harvest, with clean water sources and accumulated temperature of 1200 degrees of sunshine for ripening, making the flesh fuller and more delicate. This flavor comes not only from climatic conditions but also from farmers' long-term meticulous care and soil nutrients, forming the "sandy, crisp, sweet" taste widely loved by consumers. She welcomed people nationwide to Hualien to "eat good watermelons and win big prizes."
Chen Shu-wen, Director of the County Government's Department of Agriculture, explained that last year's Matianan River overflow affected nearly 100 hectares of riverbed land in Fenglin Township. However, farmers found other lands for cultivation. The first harvest of Hualien watermelons is estimated to cover over 800 hectares, with a production of over 20,000 metric tons.
Chen Shu-wen pointed out that the county government supported farmers in launching the "Clear Source Restoration Project," which involved re-cultivating the sandy riverbed land. Therefore, this year's watermelon production and quality are better and more delicious than in previous years. Regarding prices, depending on the different production areas, the home delivery price including shipping is around 750 to 900 New Taiwan Dollars, similar to previous years.
This year, the county government has teamed up with various farmers' associations in the county to launch the "Eat Good Watermelons, Win Big Prizes" event. During the event period, consumers who purchase participating watermelons will have a chance to win prizes such as a "light aircraft high-altitude experience." Through the event design, more people are encouraged to start by tasting and then further understand the Hualien production area. (Editor: Chen Jen-hua) 1150504
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(Central News Agency reporter Li Hsien-feng, Hualien, 4th) With the application of AI artificial intelligence, the ripeness of Hualien watermelons can now be inspected using AI (tapping stick). Additionally, due to the Matianan River overflow, the Department of Agriculture indicated that watermelon cultivation decreased by about 100 hectares. However, farmers relocated to other lands, resulting in even better quality and taste. The overall production is estimated to be over 20,000 metric tons, with prices similar to previous years.
The Hualien County Government held a press conference for the "Hualien Watermelon Festival" today afternoon at the county hall auditorium, announcing the start of the annual event. In addition to inviting President Huang Neng-fu of Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology to present the AI watermelon ripeness identification system (tapping stick), Hualien native and Wei Chuan Dragons baseball player Tseng Sheng-an was also invited to endorse local agricultural products and jointly kick off the event with County Magistrate Hsu Chen-wei. It was also announced that Wei Chuan Dragons cheerleading squad member Lee Da-hye will participate in a series of follow-up activities.
County Magistrate Hsu Chen-wei stated in her speech that Hualien watermelons take about 60 days from planting to harvest, with clean water sources and accumulated temperature of 1200 degrees of sunshine for ripening, making the flesh fuller and more delicate. This flavor comes not only from climatic conditions but also from farmers' long-term meticulous care and soil nutrients, forming the "sandy, crisp, sweet" taste widely loved by consumers. She welcomed people nationwide to Hualien to "eat good watermelons and win big prizes."
Chen Shu-wen, Director of the County Government's Department of Agriculture, explained that last year's Matianan River overflow affected nearly 100 hectares of riverbed land in Fenglin Township. However, farmers found other lands for cultivation. The first harvest of Hualien watermelons is estimated to cover over 800 hectares, with a production of over 20,000 metric tons.
Chen Shu-wen pointed out that the county government supported farmers in launching the "Clear Source Restoration Project," which involved re-cultivating the sandy riverbed land. Therefore, this year's watermelon production and quality are better and more delicious than in previous years. Regarding prices, depending on the different production areas, the home delivery price including shipping is around 750 to 900 New Taiwan Dollars, similar to previous years.
This year, the county government has teamed up with various farmers' associations in the county to launch the "Eat Good Watermelons, Win Big Prizes" event. During the event period, consumers who purchase participating watermelons will have a chance to win prizes such as a "light aircraft high-altitude experience." Through the event design, more people are encouraged to start by tasting and then further understand the Hualien production area. (Editor: Chen Jen-hua) 1150504
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and audio-visual content on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.