Improved Barley Seeds Boost Yields in Chusum County, Xizang

Dragon Media Newsroom

Improved barley varieties have increased grain production in Chusum County, Shannan City, in the Xizang Autonomous Region. This year, the county planted two varieties of high-quality barley on 1,200 mu of land, equivalent to about 80 hectares.

According to local agricultural officials, black barley planted on 800 mu yielded an average of 450 kilograms per mu—160 kilograms more than traditional local seeds. Tibetan barley variety No. 3000, planted on 400 mu, yielded an average of 300 kilograms per mu, 10 kilograms more than traditional seeds.

The two varieties produced an estimated 132 tonnes more grain than conventional seeds would have yielded on the same land, officials said. Yields from traditional seeds had averaged about 290 kilograms per mu.

The improved seeds were brought from Lhuntse County and planted in consolidated fields in several areas of Chusum. Officials said the results from planting through harvest had increased confidence among farmers and agricultural technicians.

Preparations are under way to plant winter wheat after the barley harvest. The county plans to expand cultivation of both improved varieties next year and is consulting with farmers, officials said.