BEIJING, CHINA — As part of its continuing efforts to strengthen food security, China has allocated another 2 billion yuan ($315.1 million) to facilitate the growth of its winter wheat crop, Reuters reported, citing the country’s finance ministry.

The money will be used to aid field management of winter wheat in 11 main production provinces. The move comes after heavy rains last fall delayed winter wheat planting in many regions, which could hurt output and yield of the staple food crop.

China has allocated 5 billion yuan ($787.75 million) in total from its central finance system to stabilize winter wheat output this crop year.