On October 24, a reporter from China News reported on the growing momentum of the forage industry in Haixi Prefecture, located in the Qaidam Basin of Qinghai Province.
Known as China’s “treasure trove,” the Qaidam Basin spans an area of 300,900 square kilometers and is recognized as one of China’s significant energy and mineral resource hubs. This region is also a core area of one of the world’s four major pollution-free zones, boasting a wealth of green organic agricultural and livestock products, including goji berries, beef and lamb, and quinoa.
The local agricultural authorities have noted a promising future for the forage industry, emphasizing its vital role in ensuring food security and effectively supplying livestock products. In recent years, Haixi Prefecture has embraced a development model that combines planting and breeding, achieving a “green cycle” where forage production is driven by livestock farming. This strategic approach has accelerated structural adjustments in planting and propelled the modern forage industry into high gear.
To support this growth, the Haixi Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Bureau has launched the “Three-Year Action Plan for High-Quality Development of the Grass-Livestock Cycle Industry (2024-2026).” This initiative focuses on integrated development between planting and breeding, advocating for a model that encompasses “forage planting, processing of forage products, efficient use of forage, scientific breeding of cattle and sheep, organic fertilizer production and return to the fields, in-depth processing of livestock products, and regional brand development.” This comprehensive strategy aims to enhance the supply of livestock products and support the construction of a green organic agricultural product output area while expanding the income channels for farmers and herders, fostering a positive ecological and economic cycle.
According to statistics, by 2024, the area for forage planting in non-essential farmland, including saline-alkali land, general arable land, and artificially cultivated pastureland, is projected to reach 127,700 acres—an 18.3% increase compared to the previous year. Planting forage on saline-alkali land plays a crucial role in reducing wind and water erosion, preserving land resources, improving soil quality, enhancing permeability and moisture retention, regulating microclimates, lowering surface temperatures, increasing humidity, fostering ecological sustainability, promoting biodiversity, and detoxifying soil salts and harmful substances.
As of now, the total storage of high-quality forage in the Qaidam Basin has reached 100,400 tons, with an estimated projection of 105,000 tons by the end of the year—exceeding the initial target of 100,000 tons. This growth will further strengthen the positive cycle of the forage industry and livestock farming, contributing to the establishment of a green organic agricultural product output area.
