China is in discussions with India to offer cloud-seeding technology to induce artificial rain in the western Indian state of Maharashtra, which has been facing severe drought problem for two years.

A team of Chinese scientist proposed the idea during their recent visit to Maharashtra. China's top communist party member Han Zheng also discussed the issue with Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in May.      

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If the Maharashtra government accepts the proposal, then Chinese experts would lend expertise and training on cloud seeding technology to Indian Meteorological Department officials. This training would be put to practical use to induce rain in Maharashtra's Marathwada region during next year's summer season, people familiar with the matter said.   

Cloud seeding technology uses rockets tipped with silver iodide to induce rain. China began using cloud seeding technology way back in 1958, and at present it has some of the most advanced cloud-seeding technology in the entire world.

China has heavily relied on this technology to induce artificial rain across different parts of the country.

India has been comparatively less successful in leveraging cloud-seeding technology. However, experts say that nationwide drought caused by bad monsoons has propelled India toward cloud-seeding technology.

Maharashtra and other Indian states have been so badly hit by drought that millions of farmers have committed suicide. Increasing burden of debt and apathy from the Indian government pushed these farmers towards ending their lives.         

Earlier this year, the Maharashtra government had to shift Indian Premier League (IPL) matches to other Indian states due to the drought problem.

Tagschina, India, Cloud Seeding Technology, China and India