Poverty Alleviation in Inner Mongolia: Tradition, innovation and greenery (2)

Horqin beef, the only meat produced in China that is recognized by the International Meat Secretariat, has helped locals leave poverty behind. [Photo by Tanja Herko]

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Located in Horqin Left Rear Banner of Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, Liu Jinshan's small pasture is not impressive at first glance, but the cattle here enjoy worldwide popularity. Horqin beef, the only meat produced in China that is recognized by the International Meat Secretariat, has helped locals leave poverty behind.

"The history of Horqin beef can be dated back to the 1970s, when we introduced Swiss Fleckvieh, a Swiss breed of dual-purpose cattle, to create a hybrid with local cattle. So far, Horqin cattle have been bred for five generations, while advanced technologies have also been used to improve its reproductive rate," said Liu.

According to Liu, technology and brand awareness are the secret weapons that helped Horqin beef earn its global reputation. Residents formed a cattle cooperative in 2012, where resources and investment were gathered to adopt advanced technologies, as well as develop marketing strategies.

"Before 2000, all the cattle were herded on the grassland. Without advanced technologies, many died due to disease and malnutrition. At that time, our village could only sustain 800 cows. Now, the number has reached 2,680, with a reproductive rate of over 95 percent," said Liu.

Located in Horqin Left Rear Banner of Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, Liu Jinshan's small pasture is not impressive at first glance, but the cattle here enjoy worldwide popularity. [Photo by Tanja Herko]

With the reputation of Horqin beef spreading globally, locals have also gained great benefits. Most poverty-stricken families used to earn less than 2,000 RMB per year, but now, every household in Liu's village keeps at least four cows, and each can generate a net profit of over 5,000 RMB.

In addition, to lift locals out of poverty further, Liu and the cooperative have developed a more sustainable and environmental-friendly way to breed their cattle. Starting in 2017, the village built a forage farm of 86.7 hectares, providing natural food for the animals.

"Cow manure can be used to grow shrubs and grass, while foraging naturally can help cattle grow healthier and faster. Now all of our cows are kept in controlled areas to help protect the local environment," added Liu.