Severe drought in northern China has spread in the country's wheat heartland ....

A farmer displays a rapeseed plant withered due to lack of water and frost, in a field on the outskirts of Zhengzhou, Henan province, February 2, 2009. A severe drought in northern China has spread in the country's wheat heartland and cut off drinking water for nearly 4 million people, the government said. Picture taken February 2, 2009

A farmer collects firewood in his field located near his house in the village of Da Shi Men, around 80 kilometres (50 miles) northeast of Beijing February 2, 2009. Severe drought in northern China has spread in the country's wheat heartland and cut off drinking water for nearly 4 million people and 1.85 million head of livestock, the government announced this week. An area across China totalling 9.67 million hectares has been affected, with estimated precipitation levels 70 to 90 percent lower than in normal years. Picture taken February 2, 2009.


A shepherd watches over his flock on a drought-ridden field on the outskirts of Beijing February 3, 2009. Severe drought in northern China has spread in the country's wheat heartland and cut off drinking water for nearly 4 million people and 1.85 million head of livestock, the government announced this week. An area across China totalling 9.67 million hectares has been affected, with estimated precipitation levels 70 to 90 percent lower than in normal years

A farmer carries a pitchfork as he collects firewood in his field located near his house in the village of Da Shi Men, around 80 kilometres (50 miles) northeast of Beijing February 2, 2009. Severe drought in northern China has spread in the country's wheat heartland and cut off drinking water for nearly 4 million people and 1.85 million head of livestock, the government announced this week. An area across China totalling 9.67 million hectares has been affected, with estimated precipitation levels 70 to 90 percent lower than in normal years. Picture taken February 2, 2009

A farmer walks on a dried-up riverbed on the outskirts of Zhengzhou, Henan province February 12, 2009. China, the world's largest wheat producer and consumer, is experiencing what it calls its worst drought in 50 years in its central and northern parts, which produce more than 80 percent of the country's winter wheat. Picture taken February 12, 2009.

A farmer walks on a dried-up riverbed on the outskirts of Zhengzhou, Henan province February 12, 2009. China, the world's largest wheat producer and consumer, is experiencing what it calls its worst drought in 50 years in its central and northern parts, which produce more than 80 percent of the country's winter wheat. Picture taken February 12, 2009.