The Chinese agriculture ministry has warned that searing temperatures and drought in parts of the country are adversely impacting summer crop planting.
According to the ministry, temperatures in some wheat-growing provinces like Hebei, Henan, and Shandong are forecast to reach record highs of up to 44 degrees Celsius (111.2 degrees Fahrenheit) this week, accelerating soil moisture loss.
The ministry stated that the “drought may continue to develop,” making “the task of drought resistance and summer sowing arduous.”
In response, the agriculture ministry said it has sent out several work groups to seven provinces to offer guidance in the fight against the drought, including Shandong, where the wheat harvest is currently underway.
The severe weather conditions come as countries across Asia brace themselves for another potentially harsh summer. The high temperatures and lack of rainfall are expected to have a significant impact on summer crop production in China.
The ministry’s warning underscores the challenges facing China’s agricultural sector due to the scorching heat and drought. Ensuring food security and maintaining crop yields will be a crucial priority for the government as it navigates these challenging climatic conditions.
The situation in China is part of a broader trend of extreme weather events affecting agricultural production globally, highlighting the need for continued investment in climate-resilient farming practices and infrastructure to mitigate the impacts of climate change.