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June 15, 2015

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El Nino warning for the nation鈥檚 farmers

A BUMPER harvest is expected this summer in central China鈥檚 Henan Province, the country鈥檚 top wheat producer, according to Huang Wei of the provincial agricultural department.

Last summer, Henan reaped a record 33 million tons of wheat.

However, autumn yields may not fare so well due to the uncertain conditions brought about by El Nino, the warming of the sea鈥檚 surface in the Pacific Ocean. The weather pattern can cause uncertainties the agricultural sector could do without.

El Nino will continue to strengthen this summer and will last until the autumn, according to China鈥檚 National Climate Center.

It is at a medium strength currently and likely to become strong, the center said. It is forecasting higher rainfall in the country鈥檚 southern and eastern areas in the summer months, while the northern region will likely face droughts in summer and autumn.

The Ministry of Agriculture is warning that the adverse weather could cause crop damage to rice in south China and grains in the north.

To guard against possible damage, the ministry is urging agricultural authorities to maintain vigilance and to disseminate disaster relief and scientific guidance to farmers.

China鈥檚 grain output grew for the 11th consecutive year in 2014, reaching 607 million tons. This year鈥檚 target is 550 million tons.


 

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