From Yak Processing to Highland Barley Liquor: How Specialty Industries Are Transforming Xizang
In the high-altitude pastures of Xizang Autonomous Region, Cering Qoizha watches as workers finalize construction on a new yak processing facility – a symbol of the region's thriving plateau industries. His company, Garqoi Ecological Animal Husbandry, exemplifies how local enterprises are leveraging unique resources to fuel economic growth while uplifting rural communities.
Yak Ventures Reach New Heights
Founded in 2009, Garqoi has evolved from a small operation to a regional leader, managing over 2,500 hectares of pastureland and 1,200 livestock. The company's expansion into frozen meat processing and traditional tsampa production has created 115 jobs, prioritizing employment for local graduates and low-income households. With stores now operating in Lhasa, Nagqu, and Chengdu, annual sales reached 13 million yuan ($1.82 million) in 2024.
Black Goats and Economic Gains
Meanwhile, Banbar County's nutrient-rich black goat meat has become a premium export. The county maintains a breeding stock of 6,200 animals, combining livestock farming with tourism through specialty restaurants. "This integration creates sustainable income streams for residents," said agriculture official Tan Bo.
Highland Barley Sparks Distillery Boom
A 1-billion-yuan distillery project in Chagyab County promises to transform the staple grain into economic opportunity. Scheduled to open in August, the facility will produce 20,000 tonnes of liquor annually while creating 300 local jobs. Recent hire Gaggya, 24, represents a growing trend: "I returned home to build skills while staying connected to my community," he explained.
Economic Impacts Take Center Stage
Official data reveals remarkable progress:
Rural residents' disposable income reached 21,578 yuan in 2024 (93.3% of national average)
Urban disposable income grew 6.8% year-on-year to 55,444 yuan
Overall income growth rate led all provincial-level regions at 8.2%
These developments underscore how Xizang's focus on plateau-specific industries – from animal husbandry to traditional medicine – is reshaping its economic landscape while preserving cultural heritage.
