China becomes latest country affected by unprecedented drought

Following on the heels of Argentina, China’s main agricultural provinces are the latest region of the world to be hit with a winter drought of historic proportions; the worst in over a half-century, according to media outlets. According to the most recent statistics from the Flood and Drought Prevention Office, over 18 million hectares of grain crops in the country’s northern regions have been affected, threatening 45% of the country’s winter grain harvests. Close to 3.5 million people, what is more, and 1.5 million animals are reportedly suffering from the lack of access to clean water. Given the scope of the damage, the Chinese government declared the highest level of emergency – a first – and has spared no effort in its efforts to assist the affected farmers and rural communities, which include an announced 12-billion dollar plus support plan.

In addition to concerns over the effects a weather-related disaster of this proportion threatens to have on the country’s food balance, the Chinese government is worried about the impact the situation could have on incomes in rural communities, which already number among the poorest subsets in China.

At a time when the worldwide economic recession has already caused China’s first marked slowdown in economic growth and activity, a drop in quality of life among farming families could shatter the fragile balance of Chinese society.