The recent cold fronts have damaged the tangerines in Hsinchu's Hengshan and the farmers are facing a severe financial loss because the fruits are not selling at a good price. From 40 NT dollars per catty to 8 NT dollars, the farmers are struggling to cover the cost of plantation, let alone make money.

Due to a recent wave of cold spells, Hsinchu Hengshan's tangerines have sustained frost damage and can't be harvested.

Wholesale prices have fallen to less than 10 NT per catty, and fruit farmers that have taken a financial hit are calling for government assistance.

Tangerines with white cracks are considered damaged goods, and prices have fallen 80% from 40 NT per catty last year to just 8 NT per catty this year.

However, paper cartons alone cost 24 NT each, and when combined with shipping costs, farmers are losing money on every shipment.

130 hectares of crops in Hengshan Township have suffered damage from the cold, and tangerines that can't be harvested are growing moldy on trees.

Farmers estimate losses at nearly 40 million NT, and the Agriculture and Food Agency and Taoyuan District Agricultural Research and Extension Station are conducting inspections to assess damage for disaster subsidies.