Herders gave up herding

1,355 herdsmen were resettled in a village at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains in September 2006.

The village was based on a farm with extensive land. New houses with electricity, water and bathrooms as well as vegetable plots stand in neat rows. Local governments earmarked an annual budget of 10 million yuan (US$ 1,461,000) for the resettlement project.

The herders are grateful to the authorities, but it is not always easy for them to adjust to the new lifestyle.

"If I give up herding and engage in farming, am I still a Mongolian?" asked Sukai, a swarthy 34-year-old who is among the emigrants from the grassland. Many people are worried about the large-scale migrations.

As a magistrate, Cairen is trying to exert pressure to help the local residents improve their lives after they have moved.

Alleviating the poverty of the local population and improving the poor condition of the grassland cannot be achieved through emigration alone. It will require a lot of time, effort and hard work, according to Liu Jinxi, deputy secretary of the Party Committee of the Bayingol Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture.

Emigration measures in the 1990s were unsuccessful due to lack of supporting measures, and financial constraints. More than 200 herding families moved back to the grassland only days after they had left.

Another emigration project was launched in 2006, aimed at protecting the environment and alleviating poverty.

Local governments coordinated initiatives between herders and farms or businesses to help them sign labor contracts, and the authorities also provided free tools and equipment. They also organized farming experts to teach the herders planting skills.

Herders must change their lifestyle and way of thinking

The herders struggle to adapt to the new lifestyle after they leave the grasslands. "I'm wearing a short-sleeved shirt for the first time in my life," said a herdsman with a smile - the temperature in the mountains is very low.

The migrants have to give up herding and find new jobs after they emigrate. A herder named Wulagetu is employed picking chillies, earning 20 yuan (US$3) a day.

The local authorities have also organized training to help herders develop their legal knowledge and understanding of safeguarding rights. The new settlers learn about labor contracts, and how to guarantee their rights and interests while job-hunting.

Herders also began to develop their awareness of a market economy. Te'erbate consulted local farmers on the growing of crops that can maximize his revenues.

"The herders must develop their own survival ability if they want to settle down here," said Cairen.

From herders to farmers

Lijie and his family moved from the grassland in September 2006. A poor family, they survived by herding for others before they migrated.

Hearing the call from the local government on behalf of the environmental balance of the grassland, Lijie decided to move. He also acted on behalf of his daughter, since the girl had always longed for a life outside the grassland. Lijie's daughter is now working as a waitress in a restaurant near the settlement. She plans to learn additional skills in her spare time.

Mengkenaseng, a 28-year-old herdsman, also moved away from the grassland after he married. He started his life in the new settlement by farming, and also did some small business. The young man has also learned to drive and is planning to do some transportation work in slack seasons.

More and more herders want to move out, especially the younger generation.

Many of the herders may not understand all the implications of their change of status from herdsman to farmer. While they have given up their traditional way of life and made considerable sacrifices in moving away, they will also enjoy the prospect of greater prosperity in their future lives.

(China.org.cn by Yang Xi, September 12, 2008)