TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) said Saturday that Taiwan will continue promoting mechanization to transform farming and address labor shortages.
The vice president made the remarks at the Taiwan International Agricultural Machinery and Materials Exhibition, which runs through Monday in Chiayi County, per CNA. She toured displays of farm machinery and crop-protection drones alongside local officials and lawmakers.
Hsiao explained that Taiwan’s agricultural sector is facing growing labor shortages due to population aging and low birth rates, per UDN. She said the Ministry of Agriculture has introduced policies to improve working conditions.
She added that Taiwan’s engineering talent is helping farmers adopt new technologies that can double productivity. The goal, she said, is to increase farmers’ incomes and strengthen the sector’s competitiveness.
Hsiao said the government has continued to support small and medium businesses, including agricultural machinery producers, as part of broader efforts to modernize farming. She said the results on display at the expo reflect Taiwan’s export strength and agricultural innovation.
Chiayi County Magistrate Weng Chang-liang (翁章梁) said Taiwan’s agricultural technology has advanced through cooperation between government and industry. He said the integration of domestic innovation and imported equipment has improved efficiency and convenience for farmers.
