China's central government has released 484 million yuan (approximately USD 68.12 million) from its central budget to bolster agricultural disaster prevention and relief efforts, following weeks of persistent rainfall that has jeopardized the autumn grain harvest.

The funds, jointly allocated by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, are aimed at stabilizing harvest operations and minimizing post-disaster losses in seven provincial-level regions: Hebei, Shanxi, Jiangsu, Anhui, Shandong, Henan, and Shaanxi.

According to authorities, the relief budget will be used to expedite mechanized grain harvesting, deploy equipment to dry damp grain, and support the drainage of waterlogged fields. The overarching goal is to preserve the quality and yield of autumn crops amid adverse weather and reduce the risk of wider disruptions to national grain output.

As of Friday, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs confirmed that more than half of China's autumn grain crops had already been harvested. However, ongoing rains in northern and eastern growing regions continue to delay operations, prompting urgent state intervention.

The targeted funding underscores China's focus on securing domestic food security, a strategic priority amid rising climate volatility. The move also reflects increased use of agricultural machinery and post-harvest management tools as part of China's evolving rural modernization agenda.