Project helps bring produce to rural area in Xizang

The project has been well-received among residents, and there are now 44 produce stands in the county.

Every year, the county government allocates 70,000 yuan to subsidize the daily operations and fuel costs for vendors in a bid to keep produce prices consistent, according to Ma Yulong, deputy director of the county's economy and information technology bureau.

It used to take two days for produce to be delivered from Lhasa to Shanza. Now, a truck laden with 20 metric tons of fresh produce such as peppers, potatoes, cabbage, tangerines, grapes and apples usually sets off from Lhasa at 7 or 8 pm, reaching Shanza in about 12 hours.

The enhanced transportation system has ensured the freshness of the produce, said Tonzhub, an official with the county's supply and marketing cooperatives, which is responsible for carrying out the project.

Shere Gyatso, who operates a produce stand, said he receives shipments two to three times a week, each weighing about 50 kilograms.

"I notify the villagers in our WeChat group as soon as the fresh produce arrives. The demand from villagers has increased, and occasionally I have to restock the supplies," he said, adding that apples and cabbage are the most sought-after items.

Last year, Shere Gyatso took part in a training program organized by the county's supply and marketing cooperatives to learn about fruit and vegetable preservation techniques. "These skills have helped me overcome previous problems I faced in preservation. I can replenish my stock with more varieties and offer more options for the villagers," he said.

A total of 218 tons of fresh fruits and vegetables were distributed to households in the county last year as a result of the pilot project, accounting for 30 percent of the county's fruit and vegetable consumption.