Chig Township of Kamba County in Shigatse

Zhike Township (直克乡) is located in the northwestern part of Kamba County (岗巴县), Shigatse (日喀则市), in the Tibet Autonomous Region (西藏自治区). Positioned at the northern slopes of the Himalayas, it lies between latitude 27°54′ to 28°12′ and longitude 88°54′, bordering Sakya County (萨迦县) to the north and Dingjie County (定结县) to the west. The township is 37 kilometers from the county seat, 352 kilometers from Shigatse, and 625 kilometers from Lhasa (拉萨).

Geographic Overview

Location and Elevation

Zhike Township is situated in a high-altitude, semi-arid region, with an average elevation exceeding 4,500 meters (14,764 feet). The natural vegetation in the area is sparse, and the region faces significant desertification. With an average annual temperature of just 1.3°C, the region is characterized by extreme weather conditions, including frost, hail, drought, sandstorms, and snow disasters. The average frost-free period is around 60 days, and the region receives an annual precipitation of only 245 millimeters, mostly concentrated in July and August.

Climate Conditions

The climate is classified as a plateau climate, with over 3,200 hours of sunshine per year. The extreme weather patterns and challenging environmental conditions make this a tough area for both agricultural and livestock farming.

Administrative Division

Villages and Structure

Zhike Township administers 3 administrative villages, including Suobei Village (索白村), Na Village (乃村村), and Jielong Village (杰龙村). The township is a typical semi-agricultural, semi-pastoral high-altitude border region, with a predominant focus on livestock farming.

Development Projects

In recent years, there have been significant development initiatives, including the Jielong Power Plant (杰龙电站), which has an 800 kV capacity. The township also planned the development of the Gamba Sheep Industry Chain (岗巴羊产业链) and 35 kV substations to support the integration of solar energy. These projects aim to improve infrastructure and provide essential services to 6 administrative villages and 128 households living in poverty.

Population and Economy

Population

As of 2017, Zhike Township has a total population of 1,361 people, mostly Tibetan. Despite its small population, the region faces significant challenges due to the limited arable land and the harsh natural environment.

Economic Overview

The economy of Zhike Township is heavily reliant on agriculture and animal husbandry. The main agricultural produce includes barley and wheat, while livestock farming is dominated by yaks, sheep, and goats. The township also relies on labor exports, with remittance income playing a growing role in the local economy.

• Labor Export: Labor export income has become a significant economic driver in the region, with 396,990 RMB generated from workers moving to other areas for employment.

• Agricultural Production: The per capita arable land is just 2.67 acres, with significant challenges in soil fertility and productivity.

Environmental Challenges

Zhike is located on the edge of a desert, making soil conservation and water retention key to improving agricultural yields. The region has seen significant desertification, which severely impacts crop production. Barley yields are low, averaging 300 pounds per acre, and fodder yields are even lower, with 400 pounds per acre of straw produced.

Social and Environmental Issues

Natural Disasters and Agricultural Challenges

Zhike Township is notorious for its harsh environmental conditions. The area suffers from frequent natural disasters, including drought, hail, and sandstorms, which have earned the region the local nickname “Ten Years, Nine Disasters.” These calamities severely affect the quality of life and the agricultural productivity of the area.

Soil and Water Conservation

One of the primary challenges in Zhike is the low productivity of farmland. The region struggles with thin soil layers, low soil fertility, and a lack of biodiversity. The primary agricultural challenge lies in improving soil moisture retention and increasing crop yields, which are critical for the survival and prosperity of the local communities. The low yields of crops like barley and fodder mean that the local farming practices are not sustainable without external intervention and improvements in agricultural techniques.

Ecological Projects and Farming Initiatives

• 2022: The township began promoting the cultivation of oatgrass (燕麦草), a measure to boost livestock farming and support the region’s agricultural sector.

• 2023: An eco-forest maintenance project was initiated in Jielong Village (杰龙村), aimed at protecting the local environment and improving the ecological balance.