Vice-premier Wang Yang called for more efforts to overcome the worst drought in northeast China’s Liaoning province since 1951, and to minimize the impact of the disaster.

Wang made the remarks during his visit to Liaoning from Aug 21 to 22.

He said the local authorities should implement the instructions of the central government and the State Council, ensure safe drinking water for the public, and focus on achieving the autumn grain harvest targets.

Wang spoke with local authorities and residents about efforts and measures to overcome the drought, and also saw first-hand the impact on crops in cities such as Huludao and Chaoyang.

Wang said the authorities must strive to ensure the provision of safe and adequate drinking water to residents and livestock, and also make sure that people in areas affected by the drought have access to basic necessities.

He called for water transfers conducted in a professional manner, improved technical guidance for farmers, and also effective fire prevention measures.

The vice-premier said senior officials are responsible for disaster-relief efforts and they should also increase anti-drought input.

He also promised more financial subsidies from the central government for drought relief efforts and agricultural production in arid areas.

Wang said the construction of infrastructure - including water projects and water conservation facilities - should be accelerated, in order to limit the damage caused by natural disasters.

He also said both the government and the market should play key roles in the process of establishing a water conservancy mechanism and pushing forward the reform of water pricing in rural areas. And the authorities should focus on increasing awareness about the issue of water conservancy among the general public.

Wang added that areas affected by the water shortage should adapt agricultural production to drought, and develop water-saving crop and livestock raising.