As the dry spell continues in large parts of China, authorities are making all out efforts to fight the drought while trying to minimize losses. According to the latest statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture, the drought has plagued more than 6.75 million hectares of winter wheat crops in Hebei, Shanxi, Jiangsu, Anhui, Shandong, Henan, Shaanxi and Gansu provinces.

Recent snowfall and irrigation has provided some relief, reducing drought stricken areas by more than 280 thousand hectares.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Land and Resources launched a massive well-drilling operation on Tuesday in Shandong province, the country's worst hit area. Altogether 100 million yuan will be allocated to Shandong. One thousand wells will be drilled to ensure water supplies for residents and livestock. Authorities will also provide irrigation for about 300 to 500 square kilometers of farmland.