Chinese Farmers Struggle with Worsening Drought in Southwest China

Chinese farmers in China’s southwest Yunnan province are doing whatever they can to protect their crops from the worsening drought. Some villagers try to access underground water from a dried-up riverbed. Others dig wells along the Dasha River to collect water. Despite such endeavors, many local potato farmers are saying they are still uncertain if their crops will survive the persistent drought. Meanwhile, agricultural experts are teaching local farmers new and improved planting methods—using clear plastic to shelter the growing crops. The drought has affected more than six million people in over 90 districts in Yunnan Province—causing a water shortage for nearly 2.5 million residents and 1.6 million farm animals.