How do winter water-storage fields help rice farming in Sichuan?

In the eastern basin of Sichuan, the dongshuitian—or "winter water-storage field"—system is a specialized agricultural practice used to support rice farming.

During the winter season, large tracts of terraced fields are left fallow and utilized to store water. This stored water is then held in reserve to supply the paddy fields during the spring planting season. This practice is particularly important because the region experiences an irregular distribution of precipitation, with the vast majority of rainfall occurring during the summer months, which can lead to dry periods that threaten crop stability. By capturing and holding water in these fields, farmers ensure a reliable supply for their crops, contributing to the agricultural prosperity of the basin.12