[HIGHLIGHTS] The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs made emergency arrangements to prepare for and respond to widespread persistent rain, snow, and freezing weather in the central and eastern regions.

China Meteorological Administration predicts longest period of freezing rain since beginning of winter. Rain, snow, and freezing weather, with cumulative snowfall in some areas approaching or exceeding same period in history, are extreme.

Spring Festival is peak consumption season for "vegetable basket" products and critical period for facility production. Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs issued an emergency notice on January 29, requiring agricultural and rural departments at all levels to strengthen risk awareness and bottom-line thinking, strive to minimize disaster losses.