In late July 2024, Shenyang, the capital of Liaoning Province, faced an unparalleled weather event: the city experienced the most intense rainfall on record since meteorological observations began in 1951. The deluge, with rainfall exceeding historical highs at 556.1mm, led to severe flooding in various districts, causing substantial damage to greenhouse vegetable production areas.
In response to this crisis, the Vegetable Industry Expert Team from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) has mobilized to provide emergency services. This intervention is critical as it addresses the immediate and long-term needs of local farmers impacted by the flooding.
The flooding has severely affected greenhouse farms, particularly in areas like Yuhong District, Xinmin City, and Liao Zhong District. Over 23 meteorological stations in Shenyang recorded extreme precipitation, with some areas inundated for more than three days. This has led to the collapse of some greenhouse structures and extensive damage to crops, particularly seedlings that have been submerged, necessitating replanting efforts.
The CAAS Vegetable Industry Expert Team has conducted on-site assessments and developed a comprehensive disaster response plan focusing on seven key areas:
- Ensuring Greenhouse Safety: Assessing structural integrity and making necessary repairs to ensure continued production.
- Timely Water Drainage: Implementing effective drainage systems to remove excess water from greenhouses.
- Facility Repair and Reinforcement: Strengthening damaged structures to prevent future collapse.
- Soil Moisture Management: Addressing soil waterlogging issues to restore soil health.
- Plant Care: Providing guidance on the rehabilitation of damaged crops and preventing further loss.
- Pest and Disease Management: Monitoring and controlling potential pest and disease outbreaks exacerbated by the flooding.
- Replanting and Harvesting: Advising on the timing for replanting and harvesting to optimize recovery.
In addition to these immediate measures, the team has offered technical guidance to the Shenyang Municipal Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, ensuring that local agricultural practices are adapted to mitigate future risks and expedite recovery.
Looking forward, the Vegetable Industry Expert Team will continue to monitor weather conditions and support flood disaster response efforts. Their ongoing work aims to enhance regional disaster preparedness and resilience, ensuring that affected farmers can recover swiftly and sustainably.
The response of the CAAS Vegetable Industry Expert Team underscores the critical role of expert intervention in managing agricultural disasters. By providing targeted support and technical guidance, they are helping Shenyang’s farmers recover from unprecedented flooding. This situation highlights the importance of preparedness and rapid response in mitigating the impacts of extreme weather on agriculture.
