Xizang's high-altitude industries are making waves! From a modest start in 2009, the Garqoi ecological animal husbandry development company has grown into a regional powerhouse with a focus on yak and sheep breeding, dairy production, frozen meat processing, and tsampa, the traditional staple made from highland barley flour.
Vice general manager Cering Qoizha is thrilled about the new workshop launching this September, set to process 5,000 yaks each year. This new milestone builds on a journey that now spans 2,520 hectares of pastureland and houses over 1,200 yaks and sheep. With a dedicated team of 115 staff members, including local university graduates and professionals from low-income households, the company is a shining example of community empowerment and sustainable growth.
But the innovation doesn’t stop there. In Qamdo City's Banbar County, a booming black goat breeding industry is gaining attention. Nutritional studies reveal that Banbar black goat meat boasts higher levels of potassium, protein, and amino acids with lower cholesterol, making it a hit among health-conscious consumers. Local tourism is also tapping into this trend with dedicated restaurants serving premium black goat dishes, fueling rural revitalization.
Another exciting development is unfolding in Chagyab County: a highland barley distillery project, with an investment of 1 billion yuan, is set to begin operations in August. The modern industrial park will include grain storage, a yeast production workshop, a brewing facility, and more. Once at full capacity, the facility is expected to produce 5,000 tonnes of unblended highland barley liquor and 15,000 tonnes of finished liquor annually. This project will create around 300 new jobs, each offering an average monthly income of 6,000 yuan.
Stories like that of Gaggya, a 24-year-old college graduate returning to his hometown for career opportunities, illustrate how these industries are transforming lives. With rising per capita disposable incomes—21,578 yuan for rural residents and 55,444 yuan for urban dwellers—the overall economic growth in Xizang has been impressive, outpacing national averages and elevating local living standards.
From innovative livestock operations to cutting-edge distillery projects, Xizang's specialty industries are not only preserving cultural heritage but also driving a modern economic renaissance. It's a real-life blockbuster story of growth and opportunity—ready to inspire the next generation of young entrepreneurs and adventurers! 🚀
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Specialty plateau industries thrive in Xizang's booming economy
cgtn.com
