The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is improving grazing efficiency for many herdsmen in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
By operating a UAV with a small remote control, a herdsman can monitor the position and travel directions of his herd and the nearby distribution of water and grass in real time.
In Xinjiang's Bayingol Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, camel herdsman Daoer Jiala and his brother have been using drones to in their daily grazing and grassland inspections.
By flying at high altitudes, the drones can help plan the optimal grazing route. The sound and light of the UAV can also help them drive stray animals back to the herd.
The technology will be especially useful as herdsmen transfer their camels to their summer pasture, which they do every June.
"We have about 200 camels that need to be moved to the summer pasture. It is about 30 kilometers away and takes us about one day to arrive there. When the weather gets cooler in late August or early September, we will move the herd to the winter pasture," said Daoer Jiala.
They used to turn to neighbors for help during the pasture transfer, but now things have become easier with the intelligent tool of drones.
"After I learned how to use drones, I started to use them to herd. When I'm transferring the camels to summer pastures this time, I use the drone to monitor the condition of the camels from up above. It makes the transfer much more efficient." said Tieli Mujun, Daoer Jiala's brother.
Tieli said drones are gaining popularity among herdsmen in Xinjiang. The new tool has saved manpower and greatly improved animal husbandry production efficiency in the region.
Drones help herdsmen in Xinjiang manage free-roaming livestock
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
