Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao went on an inspection tour in the drought-hit southwest Guizhou Province Saturday to Monday, meeting people there, seeing the dry conditions first hand and discussing relief measures with officials.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao talks with local officials and residents in Lengdong Village of Xingyi City in the Qianxinan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, April 4, 2010. [Xinhua/Li Xueren]

Normally at this time of year spring planting would be in full swing, but the drought has made farming impossible in parts of the province.

The premier visited the worst-hit Qianxinan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture. It was his third time this year to visit the drought afflicted southwest.

Wen went to Minhang Village, where wheat seedlings were all withered because of the drought.

Wen squatted, examining the dry seedlings and soil.

"The government, the Party, as well as the people nationwide all have the greatest sympathy for you," Wen said to the villagers surrounding him.

"We feel more confident now after seeing the premier," some villagers said.

Besides the troubles with farming, the drought had also resulted in a scarcity of drinking water, which the premier was very concerned about.

He went to the water tank in every village and checked the level, and he also went to farmers' kitchens to check their water jars.

He said fire fighters must deliver drinking water first to the old and sick, and then to people living alone.