Many regions in Northern China continue to suffer from drought, despite the recent rainfall. The worst drought in 60 years has dried up half of the arable land in Liao-ning province, threatening three million residents.

In hard hit Chaoyang County, over 80 per cent of the crops have died due to the drought. Many farmers will lose their only source of income. But, the region is undergoing trial runs for an agricultural insurance program. Farmers can enjoy reimbursements for losses caused by the drought.

Over 10,000 farmers have been reimbursed by insurance companies, totaling 200,000 yuan. Local authorities have pledged to expand the program to other regions. The measures will help reduce losses during natural disasters. And efforts are underway to provide drinking water to affected residents and their livestock. Liao-ning and Jilin province have used artificial rain to relieve drought stricken areas.

(CCTV August 21, 2009)