Group 1 - The article highlights the severe drought conditions in Henan Province, particularly in Sanmenxia City, which pose a significant threat to autumn grain crops during their critical water demand period [1][2] - Local agricultural departments estimate that without timely intervention, crop yield reductions could reach 15% to 20% [1] - Innovative irrigation methods, such as using recycled plastic bottles for drip irrigation, are being implemented to conserve water and improve crop survival rates [1] Group 2 - Sanmenxia has initiated the use of intelligent water meters to monitor water usage in real-time, preventing waste and ensuring efficient irrigation practices [1][2] - The area has developed 53,000 acres of efficient water-saving irrigation systems as part of high-standard farmland projects [2] - As of now, 1.68 million acres of autumn grain have been irrigated, accounting for 92% of the sown area, with overall crop growth being reported as normal [2]

Core Insights - The Ministry of Water Resources reported that the cumulative irrigation water supply reached 46.3 billion cubic meters, covering nearly 40 million acres of farmland, with over 5,320 large and medium-sized irrigation areas contributing to nearly 30 million acres [5][6] Group 1: Irrigation and Drought Response - The cumulative irrigation area in major drought-affected provinces such as Henan, Shaanxi, and Shanxi reached 2.713 million acres, with a water supply exceeding 3 billion cubic meters [5] - The average national precipitation is 11% lower than the same period in previous years, with river water inflow down by 30% [5] - The Ministry has initiated a level IV emergency response for drought in eight provinces, deploying ten working groups for on-site research and guidance [5][6] Group 2: Water Resource Management - Water management agencies are enhancing water allocation to ensure irrigation water supply, with the Yellow River reservoirs providing 6.6 billion cubic meters and the Yangtze River reservoirs supplying 38 billion cubic meters to downstream areas [5][6] - Over 1 billion yuan was invested last year in modernizing over 1,300 irrigation projects, with 4,257 key water-damaged facilities repaired [6] Group 3: Flood Prevention Measures - The Ministry emphasizes preventive measures against potential flooding during the main flood season starting June 1, focusing on monitoring risks associated with both floods and droughts [7]

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese government is actively managing water resources to combat drought conditions and ensure agricultural productivity, particularly for summer grain crops, amid below-average rainfall and high temperatures [1][2][3] Group 1: Current Water Supply and Irrigation Efforts - As of May 23, 2023, a total of 463 billion cubic meters of irrigation water has been supplied nationwide, covering nearly 400 million acres, with major irrigation areas playing a crucial role in drought resistance [1] - The average rainfall across the country is 11% lower than the same period in previous years, with river inflows down by 30%, particularly affecting the southwestern and northern wheat-producing regions [1] - The Ministry of Water Resources has initiated a level IV emergency response for drought in eight provinces, deploying ten working groups to the front lines [1] Group 2: Water Source Management - Water reservoirs in the upper and middle reaches of the Yellow River have released a total of 6.6 billion cubic meters to downstream areas, while the Yangtze River reservoirs have contributed 38 billion cubic meters to ensure water supply for irrigation and urban use [2] - In Shaanxi, measures have been taken to increase water diversion from the Yellow and Wei Rivers to alleviate drought conditions, ensuring adequate irrigation for winter wheat [2] Group 3: Infrastructure Improvements - Over 100 billion yuan has been invested in modernizing and renovating more than 1,300 irrigation projects, with significant repairs completed on 4,257 key water-damaged facilities [2] - The modernization of the People's Victory Canal irrigation area in Henan has improved water distribution efficiency, increasing the irrigation coefficient from 0.536 to 0.609 and reducing irrigation cycles by an average of 8 days [2] Group 4: Precision Irrigation Strategies - The Ministry of Water Resources has established a detailed account of irrigation conditions in drought-affected areas, enabling precise predictions of water needs for crops based on their growth stages [3] - A total of 27.13 million acres have been irrigated in severely drought-affected provinces, with over 3 billion cubic meters of water supplied to winter wheat crops [3] - The Ministry is focusing on coordinated drought and flood management, preparing for the upcoming summer agricultural activities while monitoring drought developments closely [3]