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Tibet's Winter Scarcity Ends: Greenhouses Bloom Year-Round
4 Apr
Summary
- Adapted greenhouse techniques ensure year-round fresh produce in Tibet.
- Agronomists overcame altitude sickness and harsh conditions to innovate.
- Local farmers learned new techniques, diversifying diets and improving livelihoods.
Inside a greenhouse in Maldrogungkar county, Lhasa, agronomist Meng Deli oversees a thriving array of crops, a stark contrast to the limited winter produce of the past. Since 2016, Meng, originally from Shandong province, has led efforts to enhance vegetable production in the Xizang autonomous region.
His team faced numerous hurdles, including altitude sickness, supply shortages, and severe weather. A significant setback occurred when a gale damaged their first large greenhouse in Panam county, Shigatse, injuring workers. This experience spurred innovations such as narrow-spaced, UV-resistant double-layer film and automatic systems.
The adapted 'Shouguang model' involves a complete greenhouse farming system, customized for local conditions like soil and ultraviolet exposure. Lead technician Zhang Yuxiang provides hands-on training to local workers, demonstrating crucial tasks like ventilation, watering, and pest control.
Residents like Wangmo now report access to a greater variety of vegetables, including Chinese cabbage and green peppers. Samtan noted that the scarcity of fresh vegetables in local diets has been overcome, allowing for diverse eating choices year-round.
