Seeding successful

BEIJING - Two cloud-seeding operations in February increased precipitation by 16 and 17 percent in drought-hit northern China, the China Meteorological Administration said on Saturday as it revealed for the first time the effectiveness of weather intervention initiatives.

On Feb 9 and 10, of the 2.2 billion tons of precipitation that fell on seven provinces and municipalities, artificially induced precipitation contributed 378 million tons and increased the total amount by 17 percent.

The rain and snow eased the drought in the northern areas where winter wheat is a major crop.