TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Hualien County Government said Thursday (Aug. 1) it has secured subsidies from the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) for Hualien farmers affected by Typhoon Gaemi.
According to a press release on Thursday, the aid will cover corn, watermelons, bananas, and melons in Fenglin Township, corn and bananas in Guangfu Township, and bananas in Ruisui Township. Applications will be accepted from Aug 2-12, per CNA.
Hualien County Department of Agriculture Director Chen Shu-wen (陳淑雯) said the subsidy amounts for crops are:
- NT$28,000 (US$854) per hectare for corn
- NT$62,000 per hectare for watermelon
- NT$80,000 per hectare for banana and melon
Chen said that farmers who have reported a loss rate of 20% or more are eligible to apply. Assistance is limited to one time per short-term crop in the same season or per long-term crop in the same calendar year.
Hualien County Magistrate Hsu Chen-wei (徐榛蔚) said farmers should report crop growth issues to their local office or agriculture ministry. She urged local officials to assist farmers in reconstruction efforts.
