June 14, 2006

Taiwan loses 205,000 chickens to torrential rains

Agricultural losses in central and southern Taiwan caused by torrential rain have increased to nearly NT$900 million (US$27.7 million) by Monday (Jun 12), according to Taiwan's Council of Agriculture (COA).

Among the losses are 410 swine, 205,000 chickens, 2,700 ducks and 6,525 geese. Flooding also destroyed 90 hectares of fish ponds in two counties.

At least 5 counties were hit hard by the storms. COA officials have promised financial assistance and low-interest loans to help affected farmers.

Initial estimates put the crop lost to flooding at 20 percent.