Farming systems in the valleys of central Tibet: current status and strategies for their improvement

Abstract

In southern central Tibet, a network of valleys with intensive agriculture has been defined as Tibet’s ‘crop-dominated zone’. This chapter describes current systems of crop and livestock production in this zone, and considers possible ways to boost production. Most of Tibet’s 2.7 million people live in this crop-dominated zone at altitudes between 3,500 and 3,900 m and on farms of 1–2 ha. Most of the grain and animal products from these farms is consumed on farm, and incomes are low (less than US$ 1 per adult per day). Winters are cold and dry but summer and autumn provide ideal conditions for crop growth, with plentiful sunlight and warmth, reliable rainfall and the potential to irrigate much of the land. Farming systems focus on the production of spring barley and winter wheat, with small areas sown to oilseed rape, pulses, winter barley and potatoes. Mechanisation is limited; most farmers plough using draught animals, and plant, harvest and thresh by hand. Typical grain yields are 2–3 t/ha for spring barley and 4–6 t/ha for winter wheat. The raising of livestock is also important with most valley-based farmers keeping two to six cattle tethered or corralled near the household. Cattle are fed diets based heavily on crop residues and weeds, but are generally malnourished, showing low growth rates, low milk production and high rates of mortality. It is suggested that research and extension in the areas of plant nutrition, weed control, seeding method and crop variety could help improve grain production, and that boosting cattle production will require better supply of good-quality fodder. Cereal/fodder intercrops or double crops sown using zero-till seeders are proposed here as strategies to enable the production of useful amounts of fodder without jeopardising food grain security. Programs to boost incomes and productivity on Tibetan farms need to involve farmers at every step, to ensure activities align with farmer priorities.