I. Program Background
Due to Taiwan’s terrain, its rivers are generally characterized by steep gradients and rapid flows. As an island with a monsoon climate, rainfall is unevenly distributed across time and space. In recent years, extreme weather events driven by climate change have further intensified the challenges of agricultural water resource allocation in Taiwan. Under climate change scenarios such as high temperatures, heavy rainfall, and prolonged droughts, along with changes in the agricultural environment, issues facing irrigation management have become increasingly complex. Sound irrigation infrastructure, together with effective irrigation management services, form the foundation of sustainable agricultural development. In addition to preserving the achievements built by previous generations, it is essential to directly address current challenges, accelerate the development of agricultural water resource adaptation measures, actively promote cross-sector collaboration and resource integration, and secure the necessary funding to support implementation. Accordingly, this program is proposed to advance sustainable agricultural development.
II. Program Content
In response to policy directions of the Executive Yuan, in compliance with the Irrigation Act, and in line with the conclusions of the Sixth National Agriculture Conference, this program adopts the vision of “Retaining Water to Irrigate the Land.” Five strategic directions are established: storing surplus water for dry periods, expanding water conveyance and distribution, smart irrigation, securing clean water and preventing pollution, and sustainability and shared benefits. Based on these strategies, four action plans and twelve specific work items are formulated. Through the effective use of agricultural water resources, the program seeks to advance irrigation infrastructure for the benefit of all, foster a win-win environment for production, daily living, and ecology, and ensure that the benefits not only support farmers but also benefit the broader public, thereby achieving the goal of sustainable agricultural development. An overview of the relevant content is provided below.
1. Enhancing agricultural water storage capacity and improving water allocation between wet and dry periods: Based on crop water demand in agricultural production areas, water resources will be scientifically assessed to ensure and maintain a reasonable volume of irrigation water. Regional upgrading and improvement of main and branch canal systems will be carried out. In response to climate change, agricultural water supply resilience will be strengthened by inventorying and coordinating suitable land with relevant agencies to construct regulation and storage ponds, thereby increasing water storage capacity for irrigation.
2. Cross-sector integration for canal revitalization and safeguarding agricultural water security: Efforts will include optimization of irrigation and drainage systems, diversified use of irrigation facilities, and greening of surrounding environments. In collaboration with local governments, concrete actions will be taken to promote irrigation culture and awareness of environmental sustainability, enhancing the functionality and value of canal systems. Canal repair works, including desilting, vegetation removal, and inspection and maintenance of sluice gates, will be implemented to improve irrigation management operations and maintain optimal performance of irrigation facilities. Through big data analysis, irrigation water quality will be accurately monitored to manage potential heavy metal risks. Proactive measures will replace passive reporting mechanisms, and joint inspections with local government environmental protection bureaus will be conducted to enforce public authority, ensure food safety, and advance the policy objectives of the Five Links of Food Safety Policy. Smart water quality monitoring equipment will be deployed, and through cross-sector collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, monitoring resources will be integrated. By continuously tracking real-time trends in water quality changes, discharge patterns of potential pollution sources can be identified, thereby upholding the principle of integrated administrative action.
3. Introducing emerging technologies and promoting precision smart irrigation services: Integrated planning will be undertaken for the diversified use of irrigation facilities. In collaboration with agencies such as the Water Resources Agency, Ministry of Economic Affairs, hydrological conditions will be jointly monitored and management intensity will be flexibly adjusted, thereby enhancing the efficiency of irrigation water use. Piped irrigation facilities will be promoted and combined with information and communications technology to implement automated precision irrigation, enabling real-time water use control and improving disaster prevention capabilities. Functional inspections, desilting, and improvement works will be carried out for agricultural reservoirs and farm ponds to strengthen water supply capacity and reinforce linkages with agricultural production.
4. Expanding and strengthening irrigation networks and actively advancing net-zero carbon reduction: Water sources surrounding suitable agricultural land and corresponding irrigation needs will be reviewed to ensure that farmers outside irrigation districts are also served, with the goal of providing irrigation services for suitable farmland both within and outside irrigation areas. Net-zero carbon reduction measures will be implemented at each stage of the project life cycle, including reducing the proportion of high carbon-emission materials and carrying out tree planting. Diversified green energy development will be advanced to integrate irrigation functions with power generation. Cooperation with private enterprises will be promoted to support tree planting and maintenance through donations and to install green energy facilities.
III. Implementing Agencies
The implementing agencies for this program include the Irrigation Agency, Ministry of Agriculture and its regional management offices, as well as special municipalities, county and city governments, and farmers’ groups or organizations.
IV. Implementation Period
From 2025 to 2028.
V. Budget Requirements
NT$21.2 billion.
VI. Cost-Benefit Analysis of Alternative Options
This program is proposed in response to changes in social and environmental conditions and the increasingly severe fluctuations between water abundance and scarcity caused by climate change. It proactively addresses challenges and difficulties in irrigation water management faced by agricultural development and follows the policy directions and relevant policies of the Executive Yuan. Guided by the vision of “Retaining Water to Irrigate the Land,” the program’s beneficiaries include farmers and the general public. All work items represent tasks that the government must accelerate at this stage, and therefore no alternative options are proposed.
VII. Funding Sources
The primary objective of this program is to promote sustainable development through cross-sector integration and collaboration, with farmers as the direct beneficiaries. Required funding will be covered by the central government’s public budget and submitted through the annual preliminary procedures for public construction programs. The required matching funds from local governments will be raised by the respective local governments.