Taiwan’s Executive Yuan has approved a draft amendment that would raise the monthly allowance for elderly farmers from NT$8,110 to NT$10,000.

The proposal also relaxes the means tests used to decide who qualifies. It adds an automatic adjustment mechanism that kicks in when consumer price growth reaches 3 per cent.

The plan is still a draft and has not yet become law. It will need to clear further review before taking effect.

The move has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters say older farmers need more help with rising costs. Critics argue that NT$10,000 a month is still too little to live on.

Taiwan’s farming population is ageing fast, and many elderly farmers have little income beyond this allowance. The Executive Yuan said the change would take effect after the amendment clears the legislature. Farming groups welcomed the draft but said they would keep pressing for a higher amount. The allowance has not kept pace with living costs for years, supporters of the change say.