The Hualien County Government in Taiwan has announced that avocado and mango farms in the region have suffered climate-related damage, making them eligible for disaster relief grants. Farms in Ruisui Township, Fonglin Town, and Soufeng Township, along with mango farms in Fonglin, reported yield reductions of 20% to 25%. Officials confirmed that the damage exceeds the compensation threshold, and aid requests have been submitted to the central government.

The damage is linked to the lingering effects of last year’s typhoons and unusual weather conditions earlier this year. Avocado trees, particularly those in Pingtung County, continue to show reduced vitality, with signs of defoliation and broken branches. Chang Chih-lieh, an official from the Wandan Farmers’ Association, highlighted the ongoing impact of typhoon-damaged trees.

Researchers are exploring the development of more cold-resistant avocado varieties, but mangoes, being subtropical, lack similar adaptation options. Gaoshu Farmers’ Association official Hung Ming-tsung noted that growers who opted for early-harvest avocado varieties to avoid market overlap with Tainan producers also faced severe weather impacts this year. Hung emphasized the need for climate adaptation techniques and suggested expanding avocado insurance programs.

Wandan Farmers’ Association official Wu Tsan-wang advised against premature harvesting despite high prices, explaining that compensation of approximately $2,560 per 970 square meters could help cover costs for pesticides and fertilizer.

Mango farmers in the region are facing similar challenges. In Taitung City, officials reported reduced fruit setting rates and a high incidence of seedless, undersized mangoes. In Kaohsiung City’s Maolin District, an official estimated that 70% to 80% of mango farmers may apply for financial assistance due to poor yields.

Taitung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station official Chiang Shu-wen encouraged mango farmers to cultivate a mix of varieties to stagger fruiting times and recommended grafting different species to shorten the time needed for new trees to reach full productivity.

Despite the availability of mango insurance, Agricultural Finance Agency official Chou Miao-fang noted that coverage remains limited, with only about 0.4% of mango-growing land currently insured. Local officials are advocating for better support measures to help farmers adapt to the ongoing impacts of climate change.

Source: Taiwan News