China sees record summer grain production amid weather woes

Despite a number of weather-related disasters, China's summer grain production has increased by 3.6 billion kilograms to reach a record of nearly 150 billion kg this year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

"This marks the largest increase in the past nine years, which will significantly stabilize prices and meet the expectations of the people," said Han Jun, Party chief of the ministry at a news conference held in Beijing on Wednesday.

He mentioned that since the beginning of this summer, there have been floods in the south and droughts in the north, with some areas experiencing rapid shifts between droughts and floods. Currently, the crop area affected by weather in the country is higher than last year, but with disaster prevention and mitigation measures in place, the affected area has decreased by over 400,000 hectares compared to the same period last year.

"The measures include accelerating drainage and desalination in waterlogged farmland. In some places, the drainage ditches on the roadsides and fields are blocked. We are now focusing on managing these ditches to ensure smooth drainage. If water cannot be drained, corn will not survive after being submerged for three days," he said.

The end of July and the beginning of August are critical periods for flood control and drought resistance. Timely irrigation of drought-affected areas and tailored planting measures have also contributed to the increased summer grain production.