TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Kaohsiung's Agriculture Bureau dispatched over 30 farmers Wednesday to Tainan's Madou District to help clean up pomelos that had fallen due to Typhoon Danas, CNA reported.
Tainan City Government reported that only 10% to 30% of this year’s pomelo crop in the city is expected to be harvestable. Most of the fallen fruit was not yet ripe and could not be processed, leaving disposal as the only option.
The typhoon caused over NT$2.6 billion (US$80 million) in agricultural losses across Taiwan, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. Tainan suffered the most significant damage, with losses around NT$1 billion, followed by Chiayi with NT$700 million, and Yunlin with NT$420 million.
Among crops, bananas sustained the highest losses at NT$220 million, with pomelos second at NT$210 million, and guavas third at NT$160 million.
Pomelo plantations in the district cover more than 840 hectares. The Madou District Office estimates that only 20% of the crop there can be harvested, with approximately 20,000 tonnes of fallen pomelos awaiting disposal.
The office has begun assisting with the removal of fallen fruit and the restoration of farmland. It also set up five temporary collection points for the damaged pomelos, which will be transported to landfills for disposal.
The office warned that if the fallen fruit is not removed promptly, it could attract fruit flies and other pests, posing a threat to the remaining harvestable pomelos. Once the cleanup is complete, it plans to help farmers disinfect the orchards to ensure the health of the remaining trees.
Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) emphasized the importance of mutual support in times of disaster, noting the city government will send relief teams wherever needed. He also shared the story of a farmer who promptly responded to the call for help, even cutting short a personal trip to assist in Madou.
A local pomelo farmer surnamed Hsieh (謝) was grateful for the help despite experiencing heavy crop losses this year. She added that she will face the challenge with a positive spirit and hopes for a good harvest next year.
