Fresh approaches to winter pasturing see strong returns
Use of high-tech methods reduce environmental impact, boost incomes
By scanning the QR code on a small orange tag on a sheep's ear, information such as its birth date and vaccination status can also be verified.
At Ili Kazak autonomous prefecture, 491 herdsmen and about 100,000 livestock from Huocheng and Yining counties set off in trucks in mid-November for winter pastures at Yalmut village, Wenquan county, Bortala Mongolian autonomous prefecture about 320 km away.
To ensure a safe journey, police officers set up checkpoints and safety warning signs at intersections.
At border police stations "herdsmen migration service points" offered instant noodles, milk, tea, and food.
Multiple county governments have also established a real-time information exchange mechanism, which promptly releases updates on personnel and vehicle movements, weather and road conditions.
"Township staff made arrangements for our migration. Weather warnings were posted in WeChat groups. Police officers escorted the convoy and provided hot water and food. We felt a great deal of warmth as well as convenience," said Hababay Tohtibay, a herder from Yining county.
