Cloud seeding is underway over a desert in Alshaa Left Banner in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

　　Alshaa Left Banner in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region recently started a cloud seeding project over the Yavarai Desert to create rain and improve vegetation coverage.

　　The seeding this year will mainly cover the desert's northeastern area which is about 200 kilometers long and 3 to 10 km wide, said Liu Hongyi, head of the Alshaa Left Banner afforestation station.

　　Launched on Saturday, the project will last until the end of July.