The Ministry of Agriculture dispatched Sunday seven working teams to oversee and guide agricultural work in major wheat and vegetable production bases in north China as a strong cold wave had swept across the region from Saturday.

Snowstorms and a temperature plunge caused by a strong clod snap had hit a vast range of areas in the country, bringing adverse effects on the agricultural production.

Experts and personnel were sent to eight provinces including Hebei, Liaoning, Jiangsu, Shandong and Anhui, to help farmers restore the damaged greenhouses and improve water and fertilizer usage, so as to ensure a steady production and ample supply of wheat and vegetables to the market in the coming spring.

They were also required to provide farmers with measures against plant disease and insect pests and guide farmers in taking care of winter crops to lay foundation for a good summer harvest.

The ministry has urged agricultural departments at all levels to respond to the cold weather disaster promptly, and help farmers to take preventative measures and help them to reduce losses to the minimum level.

(Xinhua News Agency January 4, 2010)