Vitalization efforts breathe new life into Tibetan village

LHASA — As the first rays of sunshine reach Shikashok village in the Tibet autonomous region, Paljor cracks a herding whip to drive more than 680 sheep from their pen.

The 49-year-old has had an impressive herding career and is now the head of a sheep farming cooperative working with local officials.

“Last year, I sold 100 sheep and earned over 100,000 yuan ($14,500),” Paljor said. “I will earn more money from selling wool when the weather gets warmer in June and July.”

Sheep farming is among a number of rural industries that have breathed new life into Shikashok, which is located approximately 3 kilometers from the Yarlung Zangbo River.

Recently, 10 rural cooperatives in an array of sectors, including furniture making, farm machinery and cattle farming have been founded in the village, according to village official Li Delin, who added that the per capita income now exceeds 20,000 yuan.

While Paljor herds sheep, his mother Trinley Chodron brings fresh milk home from the farm to make yak butter and other produce.

Her living room is spacious and equipped with various home appliances. On top of a traditional Tibetan-style table are butter tea and soft drinks for guests.

It is hard to believe that villagers once lived in rundown houses and were unable to make ends meet due to poverty.

“In the past 10 years, the village has taken on a new look,” said the 81-year-old matriarch.

Konchok Tsomo and her husband Gao Yanwen also benefit from the booming opportunities in the village. The couple run a government-funded vegetable planting center.

All of their 48 greenhouses have been put into use, growing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. During the busy season, the center employs around 20 villagers.

“Now they can eat tomatoes, watermelons and other vegetables and fruits grown at our center,” Konchok Tsomo said, adding that it has become the largest vegetable supplier for a dozen convenience stores and restaurants in Shikashok.

Shikashok is replacing its dirt path with a concrete road that stretches 3.3 km. The village is becoming increasingly connected to the outside world through adjacent highways.

Padma Tsewang, a postal worker, has witnessed the changes to the village’s logistics.

“In recent years, villagers have received more parcels, and many young people even buy daily necessities online. It’s fast and convenient,” he said.

Tibet plans to implement 1,337 rural vitalization projects this year, with an estimated investment of 14.7 billion yuan.

They aim to promote the development of various sectors in rural areas, such as high-standard farmlands, agriculture and animal husbandry.

“Rural industries have become our cash cow, and wallets are bulging. Shikashok village stands as a good example of Tibet’s progress in rural revitalization,” Li said.

Xinhua