Xizang sees its barley industry thrive

Highland barley is mainly grown in high-altitude regions such as Xizang, Qinghai, Sichuan, Yunnan and Gansu. Scientific research has shown that highland barley has rich nutritional value and outstanding medicinal and health benefits.

Its nutritional characteristics include high protein, high fiber, high vitamins, low sugar, low fat, abundant dietary fiber, and life-functional elements like beta-glucan, which can enhance immunity, regulate blood sugar, balance blood pressure, and more.

Zhang Zhongya, deputy research curator of the Xizang Cultural Museum at the China Tibetology Research Center stated that according to archaeological discoveries, the history of planting highland barley on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau can be traced back to around 3,500 years ago.

"Due to ongoing archaeological research in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, we believe that in the near future, the history of planting highland barley on the plateau may be pushed back even further, Zhang said.