Central China's rice-producing provinces are sparing no effort to ensure water supplies, striving to maintain agricultural productivity and support regional food security.

Due to the persistent heat and lack of rainfall, about 43,300 hectares of rice in Xiangyang City, Hubei Province, are in drought conditions. Some field ridges are cracking, and soil moisture levels are dropping.

In Qiangang Village, about 130 hectares are dedicated to rice cultivation. To tackle the drought, the village is using 22 wells that take turns pumping water 24 hours a day to keep the soil moist.

"Over the past few days, the ongoing pumping has finally filled the fields with water. We're relieved now, and don't have to worry about the rice yield anymore," said Lyu Yuanxin, a farmer.

Various departments in Xiangyang City are working together to address the drought. Agricultural experts are developing tailored irrigation plans, and the power department is making sure water pumps have a steady electricity supply. The meteorological team is issuing more alerts to fully safeguard the bottom line of soil moisture, all aimed at ensuring a good harvest in northern Hubei's grain-producing areas.

Meanwhile, Gushi County in Henan Province is facing drought after over 20 days of high temperatures and sunshine.

As a key rice-producing area, local authorities are ensuring water supply for 120,000 hectares of rice during the critical growth stages by drawing water from irrigation sources and drilling wells.

"Next, we will keep using targeted irrigation methods based on the drought's condition to deliver water to the driest areas," said Gao Zhongfeng, a local official.

Currently, Gushi County has formed a drought relief team to help manage the construction of new pumping stations and wells in the northern four towns, making every effort to ensure food security and agricultural production.