HUALIEN (TVBS News) — Ruisui Township (瑞穗鄉) in Hualien County (花蓮縣) celebrated the official opening of its new Agricultural Promotion Center and Pomelo Processing Plant on Friday (June 20). Funded by an NT$51 million grant from the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA, 農業部), these facilities aim to bolster the local pomelo industry, which spans approximately 650 hectares and produces over 13,000 metric tons annually.
Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih (陳駿季) pledged unwavering support for Hualien's agricultural development, emphasizing the ministry's partnership with local farmers. The Ruisui Township Farmers' Association, led by Secretary-General Huang Sheng-huang (黃盛皇), secured the funding and invested an additional NT$10 million in processing equipment. Huang highlighted that the new machinery could grade pomelos and extract essential oils and pulp, reducing labor costs by cutting the workforce needed for peeling from 25-30 to just 10 workers.
The processing plant can transform pomelos into jams, pastry fillings, and beverages, while extracted essential oils can be used in soaps and cleaning agents. Pomelo peels can also be processed into candies and salts. Huang stressed the goal of achieving zero waste and making pomelos available year-round, not just seasonally. Currently, the plant's single freezing unit limits production to 2.4 metric tons daily. Huang plans to request the Agriculture Ministry for seven more freezing units to increase capacity.
These developments promise to enhance the resilience and profitability of Ruisui's pomelo industry, mitigating the challenges posed by frequent typhoons and difficult transportation.
