TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Tea farmers in Miaoli County are hiring water trucks to irrigate fields as drought delays spring tea growth and damages crops, CNA reported Wednesday.

UDN reported that little rainfall over the past three months has reduced soil moisture during a key sprouting period. Farmers say tea plants are showing delayed budding, with some leaves drying out and entire plants dying.

Tea farmer Chang Huan-wen (張煥文) from Tongluo Township said poor sprouting has already affected large areas of tea gardens. He warned that losses for the spring harvest could be significant if dry conditions continue, Hakka TV reported.

Local agricultural officials said tea-growing areas in Tongluo cover about 80 hectares, with damage and reduced output estimated at around 40%. They added that some farmers have begun using water trucks to protect future production, including summer Oriental Beauty tea.

A farmer surnamed Tseng (曾) said drip irrigation systems are no longer sufficient due to the prolonged lack of rain and morning dew. He said hiring a water truck costs about NT$9,000 (US$280) per day, not including labor, and multiple trucks are needed for larger fields, per Liberty Times.

Miaoli County Government said farmers in several townships, including Tongluo, Sanyi, Sanwan, and Touwu, have reported crop damage. Authorities have asked local offices to assess losses and compile data to apply for natural disaster relief, per FTV News.