The affects of the drought in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region have been slightly alleviated, with artificial-induced rain falling since Thursday. But experts are warning the drought is likely to continue, as the amount of recent precipitation is not enough.

The rain brought much needed relief to dry areas of Guangxi. Local authorities conducted four cloud-seeding operations to try to trigger the rainfall.

But experts are not all optimistic about the long term outlook, saying dry spells are likely to continue.

Chen Jian, chief weatherman of Guangxi Meteorological Bureau, said, "Some areas of Guangxi have seen downpours. But after the rain ends, there is no more expected, so it can only be seen as a temporary relief."

The worst drought in decades has curtailed spring farming. Guangxi has lowered its grain output target for 2010 by more than 1 percent. Although still expected to reach more than 14.5 billion kilograms, it is 150 million kilograms less than the target that was set in January.

China's Ministry of Agriculture is urging the drought-hit regions to utilize the recent rainfall for spring ploughing, and make up for the damage that has been caused to summer crop production. Teams of specialists have been dispatched to help farmers in the field.