Farmers Race to Harvest Rice in Miaoli as Typhoon Bavi Threatens Crops
Miaoli County, Taiwan – July 10, 2026 — As Typhoon Bavi approaches Taiwan with the threat of strong winds and heavy rainfall, farmers in Zhunan Township, Miaoli County, are racing against time to harvest their rice crops before the storm arrives.
Although the Miaoli County Government suspended work and classes on July 10 due to the typhoon, the Zhunan Township Farmers’ Association continued operating its public grain collection services to help local farmers deliver their harvest before severe weather strikes.
Farmers’ Association Keeps Grain Collection Open
According to the Zhunan Township Farmers’ Association, rice is one of the township’s major agricultural products, with around 370 hectares currently under cultivation. The largest rice-growing areas are located in the coastal communities of Dapu, Haikou, and Gangqian, where crops are particularly vulnerable to typhoon damage because of their proximity to the sea.
Officials said the rice harvest was originally scheduled to begin on July 10, but the approaching typhoon forced farmers and the association to move the harvesting schedule forward to July 8 in an effort to reduce potential losses.
Harvesters Brought in From Other Areas
With hundreds of hectares ready for harvest, local harvesting equipment has been insufficient to meet demand. Farmers have sought additional harvesting machines from neighboring cities and counties, and some combines arriving in the fields were reportedly marked as being supported by the Taoyuan City Government.
The additional machinery has allowed farmers to speed up harvesting operations before Typhoon Bavi reaches the area.
Farmers Fear Losing Months of Hard Work
One local farmer said this year’s rice crop had developed well thanks to the absence of major pest and disease problems, raising hopes for an excellent harvest.
However, with the typhoon approaching, many growers decided to harvest earlier than planned to avoid crop losses. Farmers explained that if strong winds flatten the rice plants or prolonged rain floods the fields, months of work and investment could be severely affected or even lost entirely.
Some Fields Still Too Early to Harvest
Despite the emergency harvesting effort, not all rice fields are ready. Some crops still require approximately two more weeks to mature and cannot be harvested yet.
Those farmers have little choice but to leave their crops in the fields and hope Typhoon Bavi does not cause significant damage.
Agricultural officials continue to monitor weather conditions while urging farmers to complete preparations wherever possible as the powerful typhoon approaches Taiwan.
