On September 26, Director-General Tsai Sheng-Fu of the Irrigation Agency attended the project briefing and groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of irrigation services in the Zhongshan area of Dongshan Township, Yilan County. Known for its tea and pomelo production, the region’s agricultural development has been constrained by aging and damaged irrigation facilities. The Yilan Management Office has completed planning, design, and contracting processes for improved irrigation water supply in this area, aiming to effectively meet the local irrigation needs.
Situated in Dongshan Township, Yilan County, the Zhongshan area boasts abundant agricultural resources and serves as the core of the “Zhongshan Leisure Agricultural Area.” To address the irrigation challenges in this region, the Yilan Management Office is implementing comprehensive improvements to the irrigation system. The original intake facilities had inadequate designs, resulting in low water intake efficiency due to insufficient elevation. This project will upgrade water intake facilities to increase capacity and replace outdated water pipelines that cross private land. The total length of pipeline installation and renovation will span 4,508 meters, resolving longstanding maintenance challenges and significantly enhancing water delivery efficiency. Additionally, the project includes the renovation and construction of water storage facilities. The existing 200-ton central storage reservoir has been compromised by leakage and deterioration, impacting water supply stability. This facility will be renovated, and a new, large-scale regulation reservoir with a capacity of 3,200 tons will be constructed to ensure a reliable water supply during dry seasons. Furthermore, the project will implement a smart irrigation system equipped with advanced monitoring technology to track farmland water usage and automatically adjust irrigation schedules, achieving both water conservation and optimization. This project represents not only an upgrade of traditional irrigation systems but also a significant step toward modern, digital agricultural management.
Director-General Tsai Sheng-Fu stated that upon completion, the system will provide stable irrigation services to 152 hectares of farmland, benefiting 150 primary agricultural households and boosting the annual economic value by NT$120 million. The project is expected to stimulate the secondary processing industries and tertiary leisure agriculture operators, driving the related industry chain’s value up by NT$330 million annually. By advancing technology and enhancing facilities, this project will significantly improve water resource utilization, reduce water waste, and offer farmers long-term irrigation security. The Irrigation Agency remains committed to sustainability and shared prosperity, working with local farmers to promote the modernization of farmland irrigation facilities and foster sustainable agricultural development in Taiwan.
The groundbreaking ceremony attracted numerous local farmers. The Yilan Management Office provided a professional and detailed overview of the project’s scope and benefits, ensuring that local farmers fully understood its impact. Participants expressed strong support and eagerly anticipated a dependable water source that promises abundant harvests in the years ahead.