TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Banana production in Kaohsiung’s Qishan District has plummeted due to last year’s typhoons and cold weather, driving up prices and attracting thieves.
Local banana farmers have recently reported crop thefts. In response, police and civilian volunteers have formed a "Banana Protection Patrol" to prevent intruders from stealing farmers' hard-earned produce, CNA reported.
Du Wen-yuan (杜文元), director of promotions at the Qishan Farmers' Association, said typhoon damage will take seven to eight months to recover from, with banana production down to just 20% of normal levels.
According to Du, the average banana price is currently around NT$105 (US$3.19) per kilogram. A typical 20- to 25-kilogram bunch sells for over NT$2,000.
Thieves often steal bananas regardless of ripeness, fearing they may be caught if they wait, causing further losses for farmers, Du added.
The Kaohsiung Police Department Qishan Branch said a farmer surnamed Li (李) reported on Friday that several bunches were stolen from his farmland in Neimen District, with an estimated loss of NT$5,000.
Police have since assisted banana farmers by installing special lighting and surveillance systems in key production areas and adjusting night patrols.
To better understand the challenges facing farmers, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Chiu Yi-ying (邱議瑩) visited Qishan District to investigate why domestic bananas are now as expensive as high-end imported varieties. In a Facebook post, Chiu said extreme weather has left some farmers without any bananas to sell, CNA reported.
Chiu urged the public to support farmers rather than blame them for rising prices.
Some farmers reported harvesting only 50 kilograms, compared to a normal yield of 9,000 kilograms per acre (4,000 square meters). Others said they can only harvest twice a month, and in some cases, not at all.
Beyond weather-related disruptions, farmers also face rising transportation and labor costs. Some merchants refuse to sell smaller, imperfect bananas, further impacting growers.
Regarding banana thefts, police have urged buyers, wholesalers, and retailers to be vigilant. Anyone encountering unidentified sellers should call 110 to report suspicious activity, helping prevent the sale of stolen goods.
