Yunnan runs short of grain after long drought
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If the drought continues, villagers will face serious food shortages, the official said.
The output of early spring crops in the province decreased by 60 percent, a report said.
Moreover, the price of rice has increased from 3 yuan per kg in February to 5 yuan because of the drought.
The mountain area of Nanjian county accounts for 99.3% of the total, but it has not rained since May last year.
The mountain has many trees and flowers that bloom in spring, but unfortunately, the drought has taken a toll on the mountain's beauty, too. Many of its trees have turned yellow and withered away. Seventy percent of its pine trees, many of which are over 20 years old, have died.
Many businesses and resident from all over the country have donated water. However, the cost of transporting 19 liters of water to famers in drought-hit areas is starting to get higher than the water itself.
One official said, "The cost of buying 19 liters of water, plus transportation, was equivalent to purchasing three kilograms of rice to feed a hungry famer."
Neighboring Chu Xiong Yi autonomous prefecture also faces similar problems.
So far, there are about 580,000 villagers who do not have enough food, and that number may reach 700,000 by July.
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