Core Insights - The persistent rainfall in Henan province has significantly impacted the autumn harvest, with average precipitation reaching 349.6 mm since September 1, which is 2.6 times higher than the historical average for the same period, marking the highest level since 1961 [2][3][4] - The province has mobilized resources to support the harvest, including preparing 200,000 harvesting machines and deploying 7,980 tracked corn harvesters to address the challenges posed by wet soil conditions [1][7][8] - The ongoing rainfall has delayed the wheat sowing schedule by approximately 10 to 15 days, creating a tight timeline for farmers to manage both the harvest and the subsequent planting [11][12][13] Harvest and Machinery - A total of 20,000 harvesting machines have been prepared, including 83,000 corn harvesters and 100,000 peanut harvesters, alongside the establishment of 742 emergency service teams [1][7] - The province has recognized 832 regional agricultural service centers to facilitate emergency harvesting operations [1] - The introduction of tracked harvesters has become crucial due to the wet conditions, with 7,980 units deployed to enhance harvesting efficiency [7][8] Drying and Storage - The prolonged rainy weather has increased the moisture content of harvested corn to 30-40%, raising concerns about spoilage [9] - The province has 5,262 drying machines available, and efforts are being made to ensure that farmers can access these resources effectively [1][9] - A comprehensive survey of drying equipment locations has been conducted to assist farmers in finding nearby facilities [9] Impact on Wheat Sowing - The continuous rainfall has created challenges for timely wheat sowing, with delays expected to push planting back by 10-15 days [11][12] - Despite the difficulties, the excess moisture may benefit soil conditions for wheat growth in the long term [12][13] - Farmers are advised to adopt careful management practices to ensure successful late sowing, including selecting appropriate seed varieties and adjusting planting techniques [13][14] Long-term Agricultural Strategies - The situation highlights the need for infrastructure upgrades to better adapt to frequent rainfall, including improved drainage systems and efficient agricultural machinery [15][16] - There is a call for enhanced data integration across agricultural sectors to improve decision-making and operational efficiency [16] - Investment in drought-resistant crop varieties and proactive funding strategies are essential to mitigate future risks associated with extreme weather patterns [16][17]