Rapeseed oil is the lifeblood of Tibetan farmers in the city of Xigaze, helping them to turn "golden crops" into sustainable income. Each bottle supports highland communities, creating jobs and keeping agricultural traditions alive. CGTN's Zang Shijie has more.

ZANG SHIJIE Xigaze, Xizang Autonomous Region "When you think of Xizang in China, what comes to mind first? High altitude? Snow-capped peaks? Tibetan culture? Today, in Xigaze, a unique 'fragrance' is leading the locals toward prosperity and poverty alleviation."

Xizang's high altitude, cold climate, and long hours of sunshine nurture many unique and precious gifts of nature. Every July, the rapeseed flowers in Xigaze reach full bloom. The Tibetan rapeseed oil produced here, a treasure born of this land, has won the hearts of consumers both at home and abroad thanks to its exceptional nutritional value.

TENZIN Manager, Xizang Jianuniangmai Food and Oil Processing "Tibetan rapeseed oil benefits from Xizang's unique geography, which provides a natural advantage. The oil is highly nutritious, helps with blood circulation, and is good for eye care and vision protection. We mainly sell it across Xizang, as well as in Beijing, Chengdu, Zhejiang and Qingdao. We also export to Nepal."

Since 2017, Xigaze in Xizang has adopted a "company + base + farmer" business model to boost local farmers' incomes.

TENZIN Manager, Xizang Jianuniangmai Food and Oil Processing "We follow a 'company + base + farmer' model. We have leased 66 acres of land in Qutsong Village in Qumig Township, benefiting 53 households. Their annual income has increased by 3,850 yuan. We purchase raw materials through bulk order agreements across the region, which boosts the income of local farmers and herders."

Turning these local specialties into thriving industries wouldn't be possible without support from all sides.

TENZIN Manager, Xizang Jianuniangmai Food & Oil Processing "In 2017, the government introduced a poverty alleviation loan program worth 7.42 million yuan. Following the requirements of the Samdruptse District industrial poverty alleviation project at the time, from 2018 to 2023, we distributed dividends to 316 people unable to work, and 12 near-poor households, boosting the income of local farmers and impoverished families. Additionally, we enrolled 72 registered poverty-alleviated households from Nar Township as shareholders through capital investment. Each year, the company distributes 28,530 yuan in dividends to them."

Phurbu Sidar, who's worked at the company for ten years, shared how things have changed between now and a decade ago.

PHURBU SIDAR Staff, Xizang Jianuniangmai Food and Oil Processing "We used to have only one oil press, but we later upgraded to semi-automatic production, and added six more oil presses. The factory began operations at the end of last year with all processes now fully automated. Our living conditions have improved significantly, we've renovated our homes, and at the end of the year, we receive bonuses. The company covers all social insurance and housing fund contributions."

"For Tibetans, rapeseed oil is more than just a kitchen essential, it drives the local economy and preserves cultural heritage. Each drop reflects the plateau's purity and the people's wisdom, shaped by the region's unique climate and traditional methods. Zang Shijie, CGTN, Xizang Autonomous Region."