Grassland status and development in Shannan Prefecture in Tibet

Shannan Prefecture is located in the heart of Tibet, which is the cross area between cropping and animal grazing. The lands in the area are flat and well fertilized with irrigation system. The area is one of the major regions of cereal and forage production in Tibet. In order to increase forage hay reserve in winter in the area, agricultural structure has been adjusted in recent years. Consequently, the percentage of grassland area was expanded. Forage has been planted in Shannan Prefecture since 1970s. In 2009, the total area of artificial grassland in Tibet was 33 000 ha, including 8 400 ha in Shannan Prefecture (25.5% of total area). Furthermore, the artificial grassland in the area in 2010 had reached 10 740 ha, including 2 466.7 ha of the large sectorsconnecting lands. 81.4% of the grassland could be irrigated. The cropping forage in the area has shown a good economic benefit and become the conscious action of local farmers.