As a unique animal species on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the first brand of characteristic livestock products in Konjo County of Chamdo, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Awang sheep not only enhances the popularity of the county, but also helps poor households increasing their income.

"Taking Eastern Tibet Science and Technology Development Co., Ltd. as the leading enterprise, Awang Sheep as the leading industry, the county adopts 'company – base – cooperative – farmer' operating model when building Awang sheep industry system. With the support of local government, 100,667 ㎡ fattening base of Awang sheep and 20 modern fattening sheds are built in the county, then local sheep cooperative is established, working posts are provided to people from poor families," said Zhang Linjun, head of Konjo's Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Bureau.

Asha, a breeder of Awang sheep fattening base and a member of local sheep cooperative, is 19 years old. Like other children of this age, he loves to play video games. Recently, he has bought a set of game equipment and a new motorcycle. "I would never think about having these in my house several years ago," says Asha.

With the improvement of Awang sheep's popularity, Konjo County has also adopted a series of subsidy and incentive measures including government support, cooperatives guidance and others, which has greatly stimulated the enthusiasm of local villagers in breeding Awang sheep and planting forage grass, and driven villagers to participate in the construction of Awang sheep industrial chain. As a result, the industry has lifted 1,530 people from 306 poor households out of poverty.