China launches emergency drought response in key crop production areas

China's top agricultural authority initiated a Level-3 emergency response for agricultural drought in four of the major crop production provinces on Monday.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said on Tuesday that it will strengthen the coordination of drought conditions, soil moisture and seedling condition to ensure effective drought resistance for summer planting and management in the provinces of Hebei, Shandong, Shanxi and Henan.

The ministry will leverage the role of large and medium-sized irrigation canals, carry out artificial rain enhancement operations in a timely manner and coordinate manpower and machinery for watering to seize the crucial planting window for crops such as corn and soybeans.

In areas with insufficient emergency water sources, the ministry will provide guidance on modifying the crop planting structure to cultivate varieties with shorter growth cycles, maximizing the utilization of agricultural land.