Now to our special coverage on poverty alleviation in northwest China's Xinjiang Ugyur Autonomous Region. The harsh natural conditions and lack of pillar industries have significantly impacted much of the region's south, forcing large sections into poverty. In Karakax County, at the edge of the Takla Makan Desert, local authorities are trying to encourage more families into animal husbandry. CGTN's Yang Jinghao reports.
They're called the "ships of the desert" for their ability to traverse vast sections of roasting wilderness. Now, they're an important source of income for many farmers in southern Xinjiang, who live on the edge of the world's second largest shifting-sand desert -- the fearsome Takla Makan. Backed by local government, Nurmamet Yimin set up a cooperative of camel husbandry to profit from the meat and milk of the mammals.
NURMAMET YIMIN President, Shengshi Shazhou Farmers' Cooperative "The cooperative includes 115 impoverished families, and seven people work here. About 200-thousand yuan is allocated each year as dividend. I believe our cooperative will only grow stronger."
YANG JINGHAO Karakax County, Xinjiang "Here in Karakax County, animal farming plays an active role in helping local farmers increase their incomes. Besides camels, some other animals are also creating profits."
A large rabbit breeding company was established in the county in 2018, availing of its pollution-free environment and dry weather. It quickly constructed several breeding farms in different villages, creating numerous jobs in the process. Muhabat Mijit first worked at this farm as a breeder, and earned some 2,000 yuan -- or about 280 US dollars -- each month. Now she has become a contractor at the farm, as is provided with breeding rabbits, and different kinds of support free of charge.
MUHABAT MIJIT Villager of Karakax County "Each breeding rabbit can give birth to eight to 16 rabbits. This will bring a considerable sum of money, a lot better than what I earn by working here. So my husband and I have decided to work on our own."
Even elderly people are keeping rabbits at home. Costs are minimal -- all they need to do is feed the rabbits twice a day. And the adults will be bought back at a favorable price.
PATAMHAN MAMET Villager of Karakax County "Since September 2018, I've earned 17-thousand yuan from this. It's a big help to my family. I want to keep more after expanding the stalls."
Following the initial success, the company now aims to expand.
ZHENG JIANFEI General Manager, Jiacheng Industrial Company of Karakax County "We plan to build a whole industry chain here. Our feed production factory will go into operation soon. The equipment is just under installation. The processing of cooked products is also not a problem. And the marketing strategy has been worked out."
This remote county is determined to shake off poverty by the end of this year. The different modes of animal husbandry are not only bringing farmers a decent income, but also expanding their dreams and aspirations. YJH, CGTN, Karakax, Xinjiang.
