Mango growers in Taiwan's Kaohsiung's Maolin District can apply for cash assistance of NT$80,000 (US$2,414) per hectare, following crop damage from prolonged cold temperatures.
Kaohsiung's mango cultivation covers approximately 286 hectares, with over 35% in the Maolin District. The early-blooming mangoes here experienced adverse effects from extended low temperatures, affecting the fruiting process, according to CNA.
The city government has arranged financial support from the central government. Applications for relief are open until April 14, with eligibility requiring documentation of over 20% of crop loss via an agricultural natural disaster app.
Farmers should submit their ID, seal, agricultural association savings book, and land ownership or use consent documents to the Maolin District Office by the deadline. The Kaohsiung Agriculture Bureau stated that the city government aims to expedite disaster assessments and cash relief distribution.
In southern Taiwan, mango trees failed to fruit due to extreme temperature fluctuations. Cold fronts brought temperatures down to 10°C in early spring, followed by hot spells surpassing 30°C, disrupting the fruiting process, as reported by PTS.
Mango farmer Yang Chin-chuan noted that rain and cold fronts, coupled with large day-night temperature differences, hindered flower pollination. Even when pollination occurred, flowers turned black or fell off due to cold damage.
Maolin farmers seeking low-interest loans for replanting can contact the local agricultural association. The city is also observing the status of improved mango varieties and will assist if further crop damage is identified.
Source: Taiwan News