Persistent drought challenges China's grain production target

Achieving this year's grain production goal of 500 billion kilograms would be a test for sure as severe drought in the southwest is likely to continue, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has warned recently.

In addition to the persistent drought in the south-western regions, a long and cold winter in north China would lead to a decline in wheat output, said the premier during a three-day trip to the drought-plagued Yunnan province.

On his trip, Wen went to drought-hit villages, farmlands and reservoirs to learn about the impact that the drought had on farm production.

The drought has resulted in a direct economic loss of RMB23.66 billion as of Tuesday (Mar 23), according to latest figures from the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

Despite all those adverse conditions, Wen said China should strive for a good harvest this year. He said priority should be given to the preparations for spring planting, urging local governments to make utmost efforts to combat the drought, prevent plant diseases, and ensure a good supply of fertiliser, pesticide and seeds.

He also called for local governments' efforts to encourage farmers to expand the area of spring planting.