China has been warned of heavy rains and the threat of flooding in rice fields — Bloomberg
Heavy rains are forecast for southern China, which could cause widespread flooding of farmland. The greatest concern is the potential impact of the bad weather on rice crops—one of the key crops for the country’s food security.
According to the China Meteorological Administration, the country’s southern provinces will be under the influence of a powerful rain front over the next ten days. In some areas, total precipitation could exceed 400 millimeters.
The heaviest rainfall is forecast from Wednesday through Sunday. This significantly increases the risk of flash floods and flooding of agricultural land.
The Meteorological Service and the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture have already issued a joint warning regarding possible soil waterlogging. The downpours pose a particular danger to early rice crops, as water flows can damage or wash away young plants, negatively affecting future yields.
In this regard, farmers are advised to prepare drainage systems and ensure they have the necessary plant protection products and fertilizers to restore crops after the bad weather.
Experts emphasize that excessive rainfall creates favorable conditions for the development of diseases and pests. The risks are particularly high for rice fields and low-lying areas where water can stagnate for long periods.
The China Meteorological Administration warns that precipitation significantly exceeding average levels increases the likelihood of rice crop rot and a deterioration in the overall condition of crops.
The situation is causing concern not only in China. The country is among the world’s largest rice producers, and difficulties in growing this crop coincide with unfavorable weather conditions in other Asian countries. High fuel and fertilizer costs remain an additional source of pressure on the agricultural sector.
According to a forecast by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, global rice production may decline for the first time in the last decade.
Although much of southern China has received less rainfall than usual over the past month, rains in late May significantly increased soil moisture levels. In many areas, the soil remains excessively wet.
The flood season in China traditionally lasts from June to August, and this year, forecasters predict above-average rainfall across a large part of the country. In Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, and Jiangxi provinces, rainfall could exceed the long-term average by nearly 50%.
At the same time, increased rainfall is also forecast for northern regions of China. As a result, local authorities and industrial enterprises are stepping up monitoring of weather conditions, as flooding could affect not only agriculture but also the operations of extractive industries, according to Bloomberg.
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