Farmers affected

Huaibin county in Xinyang, Henan province is an agricultural area producing wheat, rice, and other crops. Rice cultivation covers more than 40,000 hectares.

Due to drought, water demand for rice has significantly increased, according to Liu Xueqiang, deputy director of Huaibin's Agriculture and Rural Affairs Bureau.

To ensure autumn grain production, they have strengthened coordination with the meteorological and water resources bureaus and other departments to monitor weather and soil moisture conditions, he said.

The county is also using multiple channels such as text messages, WeChat public accounts, and village loudspeakers to issue early warnings, and prioritized water for autumn grain crops while ensuring drinking water, he added.

Ma Helin, director of the rural construction office of Maji town in the county, said it was ensuring a 24-hour water supply in the fields. Beyond irrigation, it has organized drone spraying of fertilizers and drought-resistant agents to enhance the heat tolerance of rice crops.

"Rice seedlings require substantial water during this growth stage, so maintaining adequate water levels in the fields is crucial. We also advise farmers to irrigate in the early morning or evening to avoid rapid evaporation during midday heat, which would reduce irrigation efficiency," he said.

Ren Chao, 37, a local farmer, has about 66.7 hectares of land. He said the government has been proactive in addressing the recent heat wave. With rice at a critical growth stage, the well-built irrigation channels and field wells are ensuring timely water access.