Vegetable supply in China will be under severe strain as the worst winter weather in five decades has affected one third of its total vegetable acreage, a senior agriculture official said on Thursday.

Wei Chao'an, vice-minister of agriculture, said the snow and ice storm had affected 44.27 million mu (2.95 million hectares) of vegetable in 20 provinces by Feb. 18, 34 percent of the total acreage in autumn and winter.

Among the total, 7.4 million mu was destroyed, Wei told a meeting held in Wuhan, capital of central Hubei Province. The severe weather had reduced vegetable output by 38.29 million tons,22 percent of the expected output, he noted.

The seasonal vegetable shortage in Spring was expected to occur in March, one month earlier than usual, and last till June, one month later, he said.

Lack of labor is hindering vegetable planting, as many rural migrant workers had been stranded in cities, Wei said.

He added that to repair the damaged vegetable production facilities also need a huge amount of investment.

The government has allocated 140 million yuan (19.6 million U.S. dollars) in agricultural relief funds, said Wei.