Core Points - The "Minjiang Water" from the Sancha Reservoir in Chengdu has successfully reached the Dongfeng Reservoir in Zizhong County, marking the first time this water has flowed into the southern Sichuan economic zone [1] - The coverage area of the Dujiangyan irrigation district has expanded from 7 cities and 40 counties to 8 cities and 41 counties, with an irrigated area of 11.647 million acres, impacting most of the Chengdu Plain economic zone and parts of the southern Sichuan economic zone [1] Summary by Sections - **Water Supply and Infrastructure** - The water from the Sancha Reservoir traveled over 70 kilometers through various channels to reach the Dongfeng Reservoir, which serves as the endpoint for this water transfer [1] - The water first flowed into the Huangbanqiao Reservoir and then the Shengli Reservoir before reaching the Dongfeng Reservoir [1] - **Agricultural Impact** - Zizhong County, known for its agriculture, has faced challenges due to uneven distribution of water resources, which has limited the development of its specialty industries [1] - The introduction of "Minjiang Water" is expected to alleviate water shortages during the winter and spring seasons, ensuring sufficient irrigation for the agricultural sector [1] - **Operational Efforts** - The operational team at the Huangbanqiao Reservoir worked overnight to monitor and manage the water flow, reflecting the importance of this water supply for local agriculture [1]

Core Insights - Jiangsu Province has become the first in China to complete the provincial-level acceptance of pilot projects for comprehensive agricultural water price reform and modern irrigation district construction [1][2] - The Nanjing Liuhe District Xinyu River Irrigation Area and the Taizhou Jiangyan District have developed replicable and promotable pilot experiences in modern irrigation district construction [2] Group 1: Nanjing Liuhe District Xinyu River Irrigation Area - The irrigation area is characterized by a focus on large-scale planting in a southern abundant water region, integrating project construction, management, and financing through a three-dimensional model [1] - The water management system includes digital perception, precise measurement, and intelligent scheduling, forming a comprehensive management approach [1] - The reform model emphasizes market-oriented water rights trading, differentiated water pricing adjustments, and a long-term incentive system [1] Group 2: Taizhou Jiangyan District - The district has established a "four main" work framework that enhances government leadership, stimulates company initiative, utilizes association advantages, and enforces farm responsibilities [2] - The "four precise" reform measures focus on accurate pricing, water distribution, measurement, and incentives [2] - The governance model integrates production, ecology, lifestyle, and culture, leading to a modern irrigation district construction path [2]

Core Points - The Ministry of Water Resources reported significant achievements in high-quality water management during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, including the modernization of irrigation systems and increased irrigated land area [1][2] Group 1: Achievements in Irrigation - Over the past five years, 1,959 large and medium-sized irrigation areas have been modernized, resulting in the addition and restoration of over 20 million acres of irrigated land [1] - By the end of 2024, the total irrigated area of arable land is expected to increase by 4.9 million acres compared to the end of the "13th Five-Year Plan," with over 80% of the grain production coming from irrigated areas [1] Group 2: Measures for Food Security - The Ministry has implemented three key strategies to enhance water security for food production: developing modern irrigation areas, precise disaster response, and improving agricultural water efficiency [2] - In response to severe droughts, targeted actions were taken, including the coordinated management of 75 large and medium-sized reservoirs, which supplied 6.2 billion cubic meters of water to ensure irrigation for 18.3 million acres of autumn crops [2] - The establishment of a comprehensive agricultural water-saving policy framework has led to a 12.5% increase in water-saving irrigation areas, reaching 63.8 million acres by the end of 2024, while reducing average water usage per acre by 4% [2]

Core Insights - The eighth "Chinese Farmers' Harvest Festival" highlights the importance of large and medium-sized irrigation areas as a cornerstone for national food security, with significant investments in modernization and construction projects to enhance irrigation capacity [1][2] Group 1: Agricultural Production and Irrigation - In 2025, national summer grain production is expected to achieve stable yields, with early rice production showing increases in both total output and yield [1] - Large and medium-sized irrigation areas account for 56% of the country's arable land, producing over 80% of the national grain output, with average yields 1.5 to 2 times higher than the national average [1] - In drought-affected regions, timely and precise irrigation in large and medium-sized irrigation areas has led to increased yields, with specific examples showing significant year-on-year increases in wheat production [2] Group 2: Water Resource Management - The Ministry of Water Resources emphasizes the need for a comprehensive water-saving policy to address the mismatch between water and land resources in agriculture, advocating for a "water-saving first" approach [3] - As of now, the area of water-saving irrigation projects has reached 6.38 million acres, a 12.5% increase compared to the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan, with significant advancements in drip and micro-spray irrigation [3] - The average water usage per acre for irrigated land has decreased to 342 cubic meters, a reduction of 4% from the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan, contributing to stable increases in irrigation area and grain production [3]

Core Viewpoint - The successful inclusion of Pengzhou Qianjiang Weir in the 2025 World Irrigation Heritage List highlights the importance of ancient irrigation systems in modern agricultural practices and their sustainable management of water resources [2][5]. Summary by Relevant Sections Irrigation Heritage - The number of World Irrigation Heritage sites in Sichuan Province has reached four, with the recent addition of Pengzhou Qianjiang Weir [2]. - The heritage system includes water engineering relics, non-water engineering relics, and intangible cultural heritage, showcasing a living history of water management wisdom [2]. Unique Features of Qianjiang Weir - Qianjiang Weir utilizes the geographical advantage of a northwest high and southeast low terrain, employing a "Pingliang" water distribution technique to create a water network that addresses seasonal water imbalances [3][4]. - The system incorporates both surface water (Qianjiang) and groundwater (Xiaoyuan Spring), with over 300 self-flowing springs constructed to supplement water supply during dry periods, demonstrating advanced ancient water resource management [4]. Contribution to Agriculture - The Qianjiang Weir currently irrigates 162,000 acres of farmland, extending agricultural production to the edges of the Longmen Mountains and Chengdu Plain, supporting the cultivation of rice and other crops [4]. - The four irrigation heritage sites collectively irrigate approximately 12 million acres, equivalent to the area of 40 large irrigation districts, with the Dujiangyan irrigation area alone covering 11.647 million acres, contributing significantly to food production and GDP [6]. Cultural and Economic Integration - The integration of cultural and tourism development around these irrigation heritage sites is being explored, with initiatives to create water culture experiences and leisure agriculture products [7]. - The establishment of the "Large Irrigation District" cultural tourism development alliance in 2020 aims to enhance the visibility and economic value of these heritage sites [7].

Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with relevant departments, has drafted guidelines to standardize the construction and operation of existing government and social capital cooperation (PPP) projects, aiming to enhance the quality and efficiency of public service supply and promote stable economic development [2][3]. Summary by Sections Background of the Guidelines - The guidelines are a response to the need for effective management of existing PPP projects as the economic structure shifts from expansion to optimization of existing resources [2]. - The central government emphasizes the importance of establishing a long-term mechanism for government investment to effectively drive social investment [2]. Key Requirements for Smooth Operation of Existing PPP Projects - Local governments are required to take responsibility and implement targeted measures to support the stable operation of PPP projects [4]. - The guidelines outline four principles: systematic promotion, classified policies, cost reduction and efficiency enhancement, and strengthening guarantees [4][5]. Support for Existing Projects in Operation - Approximately 70% of existing PPP projects are in operation, and their performance directly impacts the quality of public services [6]. - Key requirements include adherence to contracts, timely performance-based payments, and ensuring that social capital providers meet quality standards [6][7]. Requirements for Projects Under Construction - For ongoing projects, the guidelines stress prioritizing projects based on local needs and financial conditions, accelerating construction progress, and ensuring financing needs are met [8][9]. Resource Utilization and Policy Tools - The guidelines advocate for comprehensive use of various resources and policy tools, including strict budget management and the use of local government bonds for financing [9][10]. Implementation and Coordination - The successful implementation of the guidelines requires collaboration among local governments, industry regulators, financial institutions, and project implementation agencies [11][12].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant irrigation efforts across China to combat drought conditions and ensure summer grain production, with a focus on the role of large and medium-sized irrigation districts in providing water support [1] Irrigation Efforts - Over 5,320 large and medium-sized irrigation districts have irrigated nearly 300 million acres this year, contributing to a total irrigation supply of 46.3 billion cubic meters [1] - The cumulative irrigated area reached nearly 400 million acres, with large irrigation districts playing a crucial role in drought resistance [1] Drought Conditions - Severe drought has affected major winter wheat-producing regions, including Henan, Shaanxi, and Shanxi, where 386 irrigation districts have irrigated 27.13 million acres with over 3 billion cubic meters of water [1] - The Yellow River and Yangtze River reservoirs have released a total of 6.6 billion cubic meters and 38 billion cubic meters of water downstream, respectively, to support irrigation and urban water needs [1] Water Management Strategy - The Ministry of Water Resources emphasizes a dual approach to flood and drought management, with proactive measures in place to monitor drought developments and prepare for flood control [1] - The focus is on strengthening water source scheduling and management to effectively support agricultural production during the critical "Three Summer" period [1]