Taiwan's record-breaking cold spell has not only affected people's health but also their livelihood. The Council of Agriculture (COA) has revealed that since January 22, the agriculture sector has lost NT$226 million ($6.76 million) as of Tuesday morning.

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Data showed that 954 hectares of crops have been damaged, amounting to NT$62.74 million ($1.8 million). Ironically, strawberries were the worst affected, followed by ginger, oranges, bell fruit, and pear flower-bud wood. 

Meanwhile, the fisheries subsector lost NT$163 million ($4.9 million) because milk fish, groupers, common oriental clams, and tilapia have been dying in fish farms. 

Southern Taiwan, especially Tainan, suffered the biggest losses, costing them NT$190 million ($5.7 million). The counties of Yunlin and Miaoli in Western Taiwan also had substantial losses. 

Prices will most likely rise due to lack of supply, especially with the upcoming Spring Festival. Tai Yu-Yen, COA's secretary general, urged consumers to refrain from panic buying.   

"Although the cold wave damaged some farming products leading to a moderate rise in vegetable prices in domestic markets, I anticipate that this will be a short-term phenomenon," Tai said. 

"With the temperatures climbing, green crops will grow fast. Although some fruits were damaged during the cold spell over the past few days, there are other fruits like sugar apples and guava, whose outputs can meet demand," she added. 

According to COA, the cold spell is expected to last until February 4. Tai urged the affected farmers to apply for "cash assistance" and "low-interest loans" to their local governments. The process usually takes seven days, but Tai said that she has asked the parliament to accelerate the process. 

TagsTaiwan cold weather, cold spell, Taiwan agriculture, Council of Agriculture