From Prosperity to Sluggishness

 
 

At all times and in all countries, the dynastic changes mostly result from the revolutions initiated by farmers due to difficulty in agriculture. In this context, we can say agriculture is the foundation of a nation. Taiwan is founded on farming; the agriculture is the root of the people. Without the root, the environment we rely on will not be stable and solid. Taiwan’s sweet potato had proud history in the past, and now it still be highly regarded. However, due to the environmental change, the development of sweet potato also encounters bottleneck.

The environmental change makes the development of the sweet potato to meet the bottleneck.
The environmental change makes the development of sweet potato encounter bottleneck.

  
 
 
Because of the globalization of agriculture by joining WTO, farmers in all countries face difficulties.

Because of the globalization of agriculture by joining WTO, farmers in all countries face difficulties.
Sweet potato is the second largest agricultural product of our country. While agriculture gradually declines, the development of sweet potato also faces the same obstacle as the other traditional agricultures do. Following Taiwan’s joining the WTO, the prices of various important local agricultural products have declined. The domestic farmers were put in a position of having to face the challenges from foreign agricultures and industries.
 
 
 

Up to now, there are still 720,000 farming households in Taiwan, equal to 3,681,000 farmers. Last year’s revenue of agricultural products were recorded at NT$182,510,000,000. It explains that agriculture cannot be neglected. Taiwan has to perform well on agricultural technologies and species protection so as to maintain the present advantage. The organizations in-charge should look into various issues in depth and secure resolution. To explore new markets and ensure safety, Taiwan’s agriculture may continue to develop.

To perform well on agricultural technologies and species protection may keep Taiwan’s agriculture continue to develop.

To perform well on agricultural technologies and species protection may keep Taiwan’s agriculture continue to develop.

  
 
 

The prior thorough planning by the government will present another opportunity for Taiwan’s agriculture.

The prior thorough planning by the government will present another opportunity for Taiwan’s agriculture.
The agriculture of Taiwan in the 21st century will be entirely different from what it was 400 years ago. The survival of sweet potato farmers depends on the government’s prior thorough planning and proactive research on appropriate solution. The government should use its best endeavor to assist these farmers in regard to marketing, research, innovation and strategic alliance. It should help the domestic farmers to actively cope with the challenges they are facing after Taiwan joined the WTO, and to assist them in selling agricultural products worldwide. Thus, another opportunity for Taiwan’s agriculture will be within reach.