Awwal 09, 1432 H/Feb 12, 2011, SPA -- China's wheat-growing regions are still plagued by drought despite snowfalls and increased irrigation, an official said Saturday, according to UPI. More crops will be stricken as the weather heats up and winter wheat requires large amounts of water when turning green, Chen Lei, deputy director of the Office of State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, told Xinhua. By Thursday, the drought had affected 16.7 million acres of crops and left 2.81 million people and 2.57 million livestock short of drinking water. Chen called on local governments to ensure adequate supplies for spring irrigation and clean drinking water. The government has responded with measures including sending experts to guide drought-fighting efforts areas and raising grain purchase prices.
