The Ministry of Agriculture yesterday reported progress in its drive to digitize farming, saying initial policy targets have been met, including early warning systems for pests and diseases, as well as reductions in labor and energy costs.
The ministry said in a statement that Deputy Minister of Agriculture Huang Chao-chin (黃昭欽) presented certificates to 25 technology companies at the opening of Taiwan Smart Agriweek at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center.
Launched in 2021, the ministry’s smart agricultural technology certification program is designed to help the sector address climate change-related risks, labor shortages and rising production costs, it said.
Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Agriculture
Nearly 100 tech firms have been certified, providing support to fisheries and farmers at 2,000 sites nationwide, and adding an estimated NT$550 million (US$17.96 million) in value to the industry, it added.
At the event, agribusiness owners and tech companies shared insights on the challenges and benefits of integrating technology into farming and fisheries, it said.
AgriTalk Tech Inc said its Internet of Things (IoT) sensors have improved precision in environmental monitoring and pest control, while Kiao Farming Co said its monitoring and warning systems have enhanced the efficiency of farm management, and Mic Meter Industrial Co showcased specialized water-quality monitoring systems for aquafarms.
Chunfacheng Pig Farm, producer of the Odiva pork brand, said IoT-based automation has significantly reduced labor needs and resource wastage at its facilities.
Midori Kawa Fishery said the integration of solar power, automated water circulation and environmental control systems, along with data-driven decisionmaking, has helped it establish a successful brand for Yunlin County.
Nonwei Greens reported that adopting computer software has lowered clerical costs for order management while improving its ability to target new markets.
The ministry said the program was initially designed with a three-year application window, but extensions are available for interested companies.
Eight Chinese naval vessels and 24 military aircraft were detected crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait between 6am yesterday and 6am today, the Ministry of National Defense said this morning. The aircraft entered Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern and eastern air defense identification zones, the ministry said. The armed forces responded with mission aircraft, naval vessels and shore-based missile systems to closely monitor the situation, it added. Eight naval vessels, one official ship and 36 aircraft sorties were spotted in total, the ministry said.
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