As golden fields sway under the summer sun, farmers in central China's Henan Province are racing against time and drought to secure one of the nation's most critical wheat harvests. With over 56,000 square kilometers of crops ready for reaping, agricultural workers are deploying drones, precision drip irrigation, and automated sprinklers to maximize yields amid water shortages.
Known as China's 'breadbasket,' Henan typically contributes 25% of the country's wheat output – a vital statistic for global food security observers. This year's harvest comes as the province faces its worst drought in a decade, pushing farmers to innovate. 'We've doubled our use of soil moisture sensors and night irrigation to reduce evaporation,' shared farmer Li Weidong from Xuchang City.
The provincial agricultural department reports that smart farming technologies now cover 68% of wheat fields, helping conserve water while maintaining production targets. Economists note that Henan's harvest success directly impacts Asian grain markets, with multinational food companies closely monitoring crop quality indicators.
As combines prepare to roll from southern Xinyang to northern Anyang, the world watches how this agricultural powerhouse balances technological advancement with environmental challenges – a microcosm of Asia's broader food security efforts.
