August 21, 2009
China rains ease drought impact; crop output fall certain
China recent rains in the northern part eased the impact of a prolonged drought in major soy and corn producing areas, the Office of State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters said.
Still, a fall in output is inevitable even as some drought-hit crops got a much needed relief, the office said in a statement Thursday (Aug 20).
Drought-hit crop areas totalled 10.07 million hectares as of Thursday noon, down 2.67 million hectares from the peak, and yet 600,000-hectares more than year average, it said.
Also, the recent rains aren't likely to completely end the drought in north and northeast China as almost no showers are expected in the next two days, the office said.
