Taiwan is boosting emergency payouts to farmers hit by heavy rain and the approaching typhoon — good news for growers facing wrecked crops.

• Cash aid for storm-damaged crops rises from 20% to 25% of production costs.
• Crops harvested only once a year get an extra 50% on top when damage is severe.
• Days of heavy rain plus Typhoon Sadel closing in have farmers rushing to pick vegetables and fruit before it hits.
• Officials are urging farmers not to risk their lives racing the storm, and telling people in landslide-risk areas to follow local evacuation orders.

Outlook: Damage claims will likely climb once the typhoon passes, with payouts promised quickly under the new higher rates.