One of China's major wheat growing provinces has been hit hard by lingering drought dating back to last Autumn. Farmers in Suzhou City in east China's Anhui province are battling against drought and now they are confident of reaping a good harvest as their investment in irrigation systems begins to work.

At this time of year, farmers are at their busiest.

With temperatures rising, crops need more water to sprout.

Mr Li grows wheat in Suzhou. He mobilized the whole family to irrigate the crops.

Though facing drought, Li is confident of a good harvest.

Li said, "We can guarantee at least 6,000 kilogram's output for each hectare, even if it does not rain anymore, irrigation water is close by."

The water Li Qun can now draw upon is from a newly dug Irrigation project.

Local water authorities began digging the ditches last September when the drought took hold. For now, it addresses the farmers demands.

Gu Deyu, Deputy Director of Suzhou Water Bureau, said, "The construction of the project cost about 1 million 400 thousand yuan. Over 80 percent of the money came from government subsidies. The project now provides irrigating water for over 300 hectares of fields."

Ovewr the last three years, officials say Suzhou has invested 300 million yuan in constructing better facilities for farmers. And should the ditches and reservoirs dry out, it's hoped nearly three thousand wells can be used to combat a possible rainless summer.

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