Dawa Dondrup, member of the CPPCC National Committee, associate research fellow at the Institute of Agricultural Research, Xizang Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences:

"In 2025, the output of highland barley in Xizang exceeded 900,000 tonnes for the first time, with the planting area remaining stable at over 2.3 million mu (about 153,000 hectares). Stable and high yields of the crop have now been achieved across the region. However, through field research, I found that high output but low prices and the insufficient realization of its value remain major constraints on the development of the highland barley industry. I suggest conducting systematic testing and analysis on highland barley’s nutritional composition. On this basis, we may further explore its health value, strengthen its brand, and expand the market. This would help farmers gain better returns from cultivation and sales, increase incomes, and cultivate more local professionals along the industrial chain, including agricultural and animal husbandry specialists, technical personnel, and business operators. I will lead my research team to continue intensive work on highland barley breeding, focusing on the exploration of superior genetic resources to develop breakthrough varieties. By empowering highland barley production with science and technology and safeguarding the industry with improved varieties, we aim to help this distinctive product of the plateau move beyond Xizang to the rest of China and the global market."