A green barrier is built among herdsmen to protect grassland ecosystem

(chinadaily.com.cn)

Updated: 2014-09-22

Rotation pasture benefits a lot

In Duribuleji village, which is more than 90 kilometers from West Ujimqin Banner, the 41-year-old herdsman Si Qintu is busy decorating his new house.

Scenery of West Ujimqin Banner in Xilin Gol League, Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo/Xinhua]

The town will support 10 key livestock farmers this year. The herdsmen raised one-third of the fund on their own, and the government contributes the rest of the fund to help herdsmen improve their residential and farming environment and establish new family ranches. All facilities including living room, shed and forage room are subject to uniform standards, and even the color of exterior walls and the color of day-lighting panels are strictly regulated. The family ranch looks like a villa from afar.

Si’s family is a local giant engaged in pasture-livestock balance. They’ve not only operated in strict accordance with the policy, for example breeding only one sheep for every 20 mu of pasture, but have also constructed specific zones for rotation pasture. The Qi’s divided the pasture into several zones for rotation grazing. The benefits from rotation grazing are many. The pasture vegetation recovers well, and there is an increase of 10kg of hay per mu. Labor force is saved as no shepherds are employed, and costs are cut. Livestock will stay away from other herds, thus reducing disease infection.

Scenery of West Ujimqin Banner in Xilin Gol League, Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo/Xinhua]