China, the world's biggest agricultural country in terms of farm population, might find it hard to bring in a good harvest this year, with a four-month drought tightening its grip on large sections of the country's northern half.

Tourists walk on an iron-chain bridge near the outlet of the Xiaolangdi Dam on the Yellow River in central China's Henan Province, Feb. 5, 2009. The Yellow River Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters has launched an orange alert for grim drought situation on Tuesday. The daily average water flow through the Xiaolangdi Dam was increased to 600 cubic meters per second to help soothe the drought in areas along the Yellow River. [Miao Qiunao/Xinhua]

The drought has added to the woes of the nation's rural economy, which has been affected by falling commodity prices amid the global downturn. All these pressures will make it more difficult for China to stabilize grain production, increase farm incomes and expand rural markets.

The central government decided Thursday to earmark another 300 million yuan (US$44 million) as drought relief funds, in addition to 100 million yuan previously allocated.

On the State Council meeting, Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao ordered all-out efforts to combat the severe drought in the country's vast wheat-growing area to ensure a good summer harvest.

Drought strangles production

In Xigongyi Town, Gansu Province, villagers got up early Thursday morning. Although the country was still celebrating the annual Lunar New Year holiday, it was no day off for the villagers.

They were fixing irrigation equipment and waiting for water to irrigate thirsty wheat. About 15 million mu (1 million hectares) of wheat has been hit by drought in the province.

Five other major wheat-producing provinces are also dry: Henan, Anhui, Shandong, Shanxi and Shaanxi.