China launches cloud-seeding campaign to support spring farming

China has launched a cloud-seeding campaign aimed at boosting rainfall and snowfall across northern regions to support spring farming and improve ecological conditions, according to the China Meteorological Administration.

The campaign, known as the Spring Moistening action, began in mid-March and focused on alleviating drought, ensuring sufficient water for spring plowing and planting, and promoting environmental restoration, the administration said.

Meteorological authorities at both national and provincial levels are coordinating efforts to conduct regular cross-regional weather modification operations across Northwest and North China.

The campaign plans to deploy 19 aircraft for cloud-seeding operations, along with ground-based equipment, to carry out multiple rounds of coordinated air-and-ground operations depending on drought conditions and precipitation patterns.

So far, the campaign has completed three joint operations, covering an affected area of about 979,300 square kilometers and generating an estimated 129 million metric tons of additional precipitation, authorities said.

The added rainfall and snowfall have helped crops resume growth after winter dormancy, improved soil moisture, and reduced forest fire risks in affected regions.

The campaign will continue through April 30. It is part of a broader four-season program launched this year by the CMA to strengthen the country's weather modification system.

The program involves seasonal operations — Spring Moistening, Summer Safety, Autumn Harvest, and Winter Clearing — aiming to provide year-round weather modification services to support disaster prevention, food security, water resource management, and ecological protection.

Later this year, operations will be rolled out in regions including Southwest, Central, and East China, targeting needs such as severe weather mitigation, increasing reservoir water storage, and clearing fog in port areas.