Taiwan’s national farmland consolidation initiative began in 1958, and by 2023, approximately 390,000 hectares had been consolidated. This effort has supported agricultural mechanization and modernization, increased productivity, and played a pivotal role in advancing rural economic and industrial development. In response to rapid industrial and commercial growth during the 1970s, the government intensified farmland consolidation to improve labor efficiency, boost farmers’ incomes, and optimize production structures and management practices. The overarching goal has been to accelerate agricultural modernization in line with Taiwan’s long-term economic development and strengthen the overall effectiveness of agricultural operations.

The Irrigation Agency noted that much of the water infrastructure in these consolidated zones, including parallel water channels, was built decades ago, with approximately 72% now over 40 years old. In many areas, this early-phase infrastructure no longer meets current operational needs. Notably, these zones are often located in Taiwan’s most fertile agricultural regions and serve as key food production hubs. As such, deteriorating roads and irrigation systems not only hinder agricultural output and disaster prevention efforts but also impact product distribution, marketing efficiency, and farmers’ livelihoods. With the increasing importance of cold chain logistics and heightened public awareness of road safety, there is an urgent need to invest in upgrading this foundational infrastructure to build a more resilient agricultural environment.

Historically, limited budgets meant that repairs to farm roads and irrigation systems were only sufficient to maintain basic water delivery. However, in recent years, the growing impact of climate change has led to frequent agricultural losses, affecting both consumer prices and the broader economy. Local communities have strongly advocated for improvements, pressing for faster progress in upgrading aging infrastructure.

In response, the Irrigation Agency submitted a proposal to the Executive Yuan for the Mid-Term Project for Upgrading Infrastructure in Farmland Consolidation Zones (2025–2028), which has now received official approval. The project aims to modernize agricultural infrastructure, improve resilience and competitiveness, and strengthen the foundations of agricultural production. Key initiatives include upgrades to irrigation and drainage systems, as well as enhancements to farm roads within consolidated zones. The plan will also continue promoting the consolidation of high-quality farmland to better align the agricultural base with the demands of modern farming. Upon completion, the improved infrastructure is expected to create a more favorable farming environment, support agricultural development, ensure the safety of food production, and provide a solid foundation for the long-term sustainability of Taiwan’s agriculture.