Shigang Farmers' Association Rice Mill Introduction
During the Taisho period of Japanese rule, the Japanese established credit cooperatives across Taiwan to manage the production and marketing of rice. It was not until after World War II that these were transformed into agricultural associations. Agriculture was once the mainstay of early livelihoods and the economy, with rice production being the agricultural backbone of Shiqiang. Therefore, the agricultural association undertook the critical responsibilities of processing, promoting, and improving agricultural practices. The rice milling warehouse from that time held significant importance and was an indispensable part of the historical development of Shiqiang District. The Shiqiang Agricultural Association's "rice milling warehouse" was constructed in the 17th year of the Showa era (1942) and functioned as a rice milling factory, featuring a precisely constructed wooden structure. However, due to the gradual transformation of agriculture and the sharp decline in rice production, it inevitably became a part of history. After the 921 earthquake in 1999, it was damaged, and with a subsidy of 7 million NTD from the former National Cultural Association and a fundraising of 7.55 million NTD by the original Shiqiang Township Office, it has been restored and maintained by the office to this day.
