Authorities in central and northern China have intensified artificial rain stimulation efforts to preserve wheat crops threatened by extreme drought. In Henan province, one of the country’s key grain-producing regions, local governments ordered the deployment of aircraft and rocket systems to release chemical agents into the clouds. These actions are aimed at triggering rainfall in the most critically affected areas, reports Baltimore Chronicle, citing Bloomberg.
The drought, which began in April, has already caused a significant drop in soil moisture, negatively affecting the grain-filling phase of the wheat. According to China’s Meteorological Administration, rainfall levels in certain regions were 60% below average. Concerns are mounting over the potential impact on the harvest, which may affect national food security and influence global grain markets.
In response to the situation, China’s Ministry of Agriculture instructed local authorities to step up irrigation efforts and implement agronomic techniques aimed at conserving moisture. Mobile irrigation systems are being deployed, and fertilizers are being applied to promote ear development.
China has previously resorted to similar interventions to reduce the impact of unfavorable weather. The country’s weather modification program covers vast areas and employs advanced technology to conduct atmospheric interventions. This time, the focus is on regions that supply up to 25% of China’s total wheat output.
Experts note that even with successful rainfall induction, the prolonged drought could still affect the quality of the wheat. After several years of climate-related challenges, China continues to seek ways to reduce food security risks amid global warming.
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