China has embarked on a new chapter in its agricultural development strategy by intensifying efforts to manage rainfall in its arid northern regions. These areas, known for their wheat production, have faced increasingly volatile weather patterns in recent years. To counteract the growing threat to food security posed by climate change, China has significantly expanded its weather modification programs, deploying a mix of ground-based and aerial technologies to stimulate rainfall.
Recent efforts have resulted in much-needed precipitation in some of the country’s key grain-producing provinces, including Shaanxi, Shanxi, and parts of Inner Mongolia. Through the use of cloud-seeding technology where chemicals are released into clouds via aircraft or drones to encourage rain or snow formation China is attempting to bolster the resilience of its agricultural sector.
These operations have seen a marked increase this year. Compared to the same period in the previous year, there has been a 20% rise in the number of ground-based rainfall control operations. So far, 32 aviation-based rain-making missions have been conducted across provinces such as Qinghai, Inner Mongolia, and Shaanxi, totaling 102 hours of flight time. Additionally, 1,488 ground-based operations were executed in areas including Gansu, Shaanxi, and Shanxi.
The scale of this campaign is unprecedented. According to preliminary data, these combined efforts have influenced an estimated 732,000 square kilometers of land and have led to an increase of approximately 560 million tons of rainfall. In total for the year 2025, China has conducted 553 aerial and nearly 17,000 ground-based rainmaking operations. This expansive coverage underscores the country’s commitment to harnessing technology to safeguard its food supplies.
The intensified approach is part of a broader national strategy to modernize agriculture and improve rural resilience. Northern China, characterized by dry conditions and variable rainfall, is particularly vulnerable to climate-related disruptions. The agricultural yield from these regions is crucial not only for domestic consumption but also for maintaining price stability in grain markets.
China’s efforts reflect a broader trend of integrating technological innovation into agricultural practices. The emphasis on weather management marks a shift from purely reactive measures to proactive environmental engineering. The increased use of drones and aircraft in meteorological interventions highlights the country’s capacity to implement large-scale, coordinated responses to environmental challenges.
Authorities have stressed that weather modification plays a vital role in building national strength in meteorological science and technology. The development of a robust weather control infrastructure is seen as essential for enhancing agricultural productivity, preventing drought, and minimizing the impacts of extreme weather events.
By accelerating investment and operational capabilities in this field, China aims not only to address short-term agricultural needs but also to lay the groundwork for long-term climate adaptation. These initiatives are part of a wider ambition to become a global leader in climate-resilient technologies.
As climate variability continues to challenge global food systems, China’s ambitious weather modification program offers a glimpse into the future of agriculture, where controlling the skies could become as vital as cultivating the land.
