- China, one of the world’s largest wheat producers, is struggling with a severe drought.
- The most affected are key agricultural provinces, including Henan and Hebei.
- The effects of the drought threaten this year’s harvest and are forcing the authorities to take emergency measures.
- China’s problems could trigger a rise in global grain prices and worsen the situation on the food market.
Difficult situation for farmers in one of the world’s largest cereal producers
China, one of the global leaders in wheat production, is facing severe losses due to drought. According to official data, adverse weather conditions have led to significant damage to fields in the country’s northern and central provinces, including regions such as Henan and Hebei. The drought in these key agricultural areas began as early as May, and farmers are still feeling the effects today.
The scale of the devastation is so severe that the Chinese authorities have been forced to launch countermeasures, including financial aid and water distribution to the most affected areas. Despite this, forecasts for this year’s harvest remain pessimistic.
Impact of the drought on the global cereal market
China’s problems with wheat production could have implications not only locally, but also globally. A reduced supply of the commodity from one of its largest markets could translate into higher global grain prices, which in turn will affect the food and feed industry.
Experts point out that the situation in the global cereal market is already tense due to geopolitical conflicts and unpredictable weather conditions. In the face of these challenges, the agri-food industry needs to monitor the situation even more closely in China, which has so far played an important role in stabilising global wheat supplies.
