China's Crop Crisis: Record Heat Waves Challenge Summer Planting

Searing temperatures and drought conditions in parts of China are significantly impacting summer planting efforts. The agriculture ministry has issued warnings and is taking action to minimize the impact on agriculture, water, and energy supplies. Provinces like Hebei, Henan, and Shandong are expected to experience record-breaking temperatures.

Searing temperatures and drought in parts of China are adversely impacting summer planting, the agriculture ministry said on Thursday.

Temperatures in parts of China are forecast to scale record highs this week, prompting alerts and actions from authorities to minimise impacts on agriculture, and water and energy supplies, while countries across Asia also brace themselves for another severe summer. In some parts of the wheat growing provinces of Hebei, Henan and Shandong, temperatures could reach 44 degrees Celsius (111.2 degrees Fahrenheit), potentially breaking historical records for the month of June, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said.

The agriculture ministry said in a statement that high temperatures have accelerated soil moisture loss. "The drought may continue to develop," it said, making "the task of drought resistance and summer sowing arduous."

The ministry said it has sent out several work groups to seven provinces to offer guidance in the fight against drought, including Shandong where wheat harvest is underway.