China: Greenhouse-grown vegetables empower Bainang farmers
But Bainang county in Xigaze prefecture, the Tibet autonomous region, has made it possible, thanks to the help of farming experts from Shandong province in East China and other regions of the country.
Bainang, about 300 kilometers from the world's highest peak, Qomolangma, has been a traditional agricultural base in Tibet. Highland barley, which is suitable for high-altitude areas, is the staple crop.
But after about two decades' effort, vegetable plantations, mostly in greenhouses, have become an emerging industry in the county.
Penpa Dundrob, Party chief in Phengtsang village, Bardrag township, was one of the pioneers in growing greenhouse vegetables in the county. Now in his 70s, he has managed several greenhouses together with his son.
Residents in his village began to grow vegetables in greenhouses in 1998, he said.
"Initially, the villagers lacked confidence because only a few had experience in growing radishes, potatoes and cabbages in open fields, in addition to highland barley."
"It was Zhang who taught us how to plant vegetables and helped us to build confidence."
He was referring to Zhang Jiming, a vegetable expert from Shandong who has worked in Bainang for 17 years.
Read more at China Daily