Farmers, brace for heavy rain!
Prepare for potential floods: Farm advisory emphasized
With the flooding season upon us, agricultural workers in Taiwan have been urged to safeguard their crops and finances by keeping a close eye on the weather and strengthening their defenses against the impending deluges.
Heavy rain and typhoons are more likely to drench Taiwan's farms this season, according to the Agriculture and Food Agency. To prevent disastrous crop losses between now and November, farmers are encouraged to fortify their infrastructure and check their facilities regularly.
farmland, farms, agriculture, typhoons, heavy rain, Taiwan, flooding, crops, financial losses, Agriculture and Food Agency
Stepping up the ante, farms' drainage systems should be fortified, and tree support equipment like braces or anchors should be already in place and ready for deployment. Greenhouses and screen houses should be shielded with protective materials like plastic nets or nonwoven fabric, according to the Agency, with all structural issues addressed promptly.
Aside from the farms themselves, processing, storage, and distribution facilities should be inspected to ensure their reliable operation in providing agricultural products, the Agency noted. Water and power facilities should also be scrutinized for stability. The Agency recommends getting a head-start in securing seeds and seedlings for swift replanting after a calamity.
Safety first: During severe weather events, agricultural workers are strongly advised to prioritize their personal safety. Farm hazards like fallen tree branches or damaged roofs should be left to the professionals to handle.
Worker wellbeing doesn't end with crop protection though. Farmers should also ensure cleanliness and health by eliminating garbage and stagnant water from their fields. After a natural disaster, fertilization management should be beefed up to encourage optimal crop yield. Pest control should also be intensified.
In the unfortunate event of crop losses due to natural disasters, farmers are advised to report to their local township or district office. Photos documenting the damage along with date and location information would be helpful in corroborating their claims. The Agriculture and Food Agency itself developed an app for this very purpose.
As the season progresses, local authorities will take photographs of potentially affected crops to facilitate recovery and reconstruction in accordance with the law.
pandemics, waterborne illnesses, agricultural workers, health checkups, communication networks, emergency planning, protective gear, Taiwan, Agriculture and Food Agency, risk management
In times of flooding, farmers must prioritize their safety and the safety of their workers. Recommended practices include wearing appropriate clothing and using safety gear, such as gloves, boots, and life jackets. It's crucial to provide training on flood risks and health precautions, and establish clear communication channels for emergency information. Arrange for regular health checkups for exposed workers and post disaster. Establishing an emergency plan with evacuation procedures and emergency contact details might just save lives.
- To prepare for the heavy rain and typhoons, it's essential to reinforce the drainage systems on farms to ensure they can handle the increased water flow.
- To prevent waterborne illnesses during floods, agricultural workers should wear appropriate clothing and use safety gear such as gloves, boots, and life jackets while working on their farms.
- Farmers should monitor weather conditions closely and regularly inspect their facilities, including water and power facilities, to ensure they are stable and can operate reliably during heavy rain and typhoons. In case of crop losses due to natural disasters, they should report to their local township or district office for assistance.
