TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In a decisive move underscoring his commitment to innovation in agriculture, Taiwan People's Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je unveiled a series of policy proposals on Thursday (Dec. 7) to revolutionize the sector, including employing artificial intelligence (AI) to create a comprehensive agricultural database.
At his national campaign headquarters, Ko highlighted a five-pronged approach aimed at elevating Taiwan’s agricultural industry.
Addressing the challenges faced by Taiwanese farmers, Ko criticized the current state of fragmented and small landholdings, which hampers the development of international branding and market expansion.
He noted how the over-saturated domestic market leads to the undervaluing of produce, subsequently harming farmers' earnings.
Among the key issues, Ko pointed out that the integration of the Irrigation Agenc into state ownership failed to maximize their potential and that there was an urgent need to modernize traditional poultry houses and the agricultural marketing system.
A focal point of Ko's agricultural policy is the establishment of a strategic food security plan with AI. This initiative strives to enhance planning in agricultural production and ensure greater transparency in the sale of farm products through data analytics.
Ko proposed creating a resilient infrastructure to protect the farming sector from extreme weather events. Additionally, he advocated for developing a rural environment that can withstand such challenges.
The TPP candidate also called for the formation of an agricultural carbon sink platform to advance Taiwan's journey towards sustainable and low-carbon development.
By drawing on international models, Ko aims to transform rural architecture and farming practices, setting a course for a more sustainable future in Taiwanese agriculture.