Elion turns the Kubuqi Desert into an oasis (1)

A total of 40 million yuan (U.S. $5.87 million) has been invested to improve the soil and install the irrigation system. Hou Mazhuang says that the investment is well worthwhile, for three men are enough to maintain the 5000-mu (333 hectares) land. Also the land can produce good quality alfalfa containing 21% protein, 3% higher than normal ones. Another advantage is that the crop can be harvested for eight years after one planting.

Hou’s cooperative represents a complete industrial chain of cultivation base, forage processing factory, sheep breeding base and meat processing plant. Promoted by both the government and company, the local mutton sells all over China. Its price and added value are increasing every year as the brand grows in popularity. Hou’s cooperative is only one of several in the business, applying a series of methods including cooperative breeding, purchasing with government guarantees and subsidized interest, contracted purchasing, and pasture leasing, all designed to bring prosperity to local farmers and herdsmen. [Photo by Yang Jia]