State Grid Zhoukou: Powering Spring Irrigation for Thirsty Wheat

As temperatures rise and the earth awakens, the vital spring irrigation season is here. Across vast fields, acres of wheat stand poised, eagerly awaiting the life-giving water that will nourish them and ensure a bountiful harvest. Behind the scenes, the dedicated team at State Grid Zhoukou Power Supply Company works tirelessly, ensuring the smooth flow of power to irrigation systems so that every seedling can drink its fill of ‘revival water.’

In the high-standard farmlands of Shengying Village, Sandian Town, Xiangcheng City, vibrant green wheat seedlings sway gently in the breeze, almost whispering their thirst. Spring irrigation is a critical phase in wheat development, directly impacting the year’s total grain yield. To ensure successful irrigation, State Grid Xiangcheng Power Supply Company proactively planned and launched a comprehensive ‘Power Safeguard’ initiative. Well before the irrigation season began, teams were dispatched to conduct thorough ‘health checks’ on all power lines and equipment involved in irrigation. Navigating the intricate network of field paths, they meticulously inspected every transmission line and distribution transformer, leaving no potential safety hazard unchecked. Any issues identified were promptly documented and addressed, ensuring all equipment was in optimal condition for the irrigation season ahead. In Maling Town, Xiangcheng City, the service personnel from State Grid Xiangcheng Power Supply Company identified a faint, unusual noise emanating from a distribution transformer serving irrigation systems. Responding swiftly, they leveraged their technical expertise and extensive experience to conduct urgent repairs. After several hours of focused effort, they successfully resolved the issue, restoring the transformer to full operation and securing the power supply for irrigation across thousands of acres of surrounding wheat fields.

Beyond equipment maintenance, State Grid Zhoukou Power Supply Company actively provides attentive electrical services to farmers. They organized ‘Spring Irrigation Power Service Teams,’ dispatched to villages to educate farmers on safe electricity practices and address their power-related concerns during the irrigation season. These teams also proactively inspected farmers’ irrigation equipment wiring to ensure safe operation. At Huangfan District Farm, farmer Mr. Li was frustrated when his new irrigation pump failed to start. Upon learning of his predicament, a service team from State Grid Huangfan District Power Supply Company promptly arrived at his field. A thorough inspection revealed a loose connection in the pump’s plug, preventing power flow. The team swiftly replaced the plug and calibrated the equipment. As the pump roared to life, clear water flowed continuously into the wheat field, and Mr. Li’s worried expression transformed into a relieved smile. Furthermore, these power workers act as ‘technical advisors,’ as State Grid Huangfan District Power Supply Company has pioneered an ‘Electricity + Agrotechnology’ service model, guiding farmers to optimize water usage based on crop and soil moisture conditions, projecting annual water savings of up to 3 million tons.

To ensure a stable power supply throughout the spring irrigation season, State Grid Zhoukou Power Supply Company has also enhanced power grid monitoring and dispatch management. Employing an intelligent grid monitoring system, they maintain real-time awareness of grid conditions, enabling timely adjustments to power distribution to guarantee uninterrupted power for irrigation. Furthermore, they have developed comprehensive emergency response plans and maintain 24/7 on-call personnel prepared to address any unexpected power outages. In the event of a failure, rapid-response repair teams are dispatched immediately to restore power as quickly as possible, minimizing any disruption to spring irrigation.

Thanks to reliable power support, Zhoukou City’s 11 million mu (approximately 1.8 million acres) of wheat fields have been successfully irrigated, ensuring their healthy revival. Farmers beam with joy at the sight of the vibrant, thriving seedlings. ‘We owe a great deal to the power company’s unwavering support,’ exclaimed one grateful farmer. ‘This year’s spring irrigation went perfectly, without a single delay. The wheat is looking fantastic – we’re definitely expecting a bumper harvest!’

Ensuring reliable power for spring irrigation isn’t just about supporting agricultural production; it’s a a shining of the “Power for the People” philosophy in action. Looking ahead, the dedicated team at State Grid Zhoukou Power Supply Company will remain steadfast in their commitment, contributing to agricultural development and rural revitalization. Their efforts will ensure that every inch of land is filled with promise and every harvest dream becomes a reality. (By Yuan Haiqing & Zhang Hui)