The Tibet Autonomous Regional Government plans to invest 2.86 billion yuan in supporting agriculture and animal husbandry and helping farmers increase their incomes, with emphasis placed on public projects in rural areas, people's livelihood, infrastructure and local industries.

The figure, which represents a 101.7 percent increase over that of last year, is regarded as a move to support and protect the farming sector and livestock breeding in Tibet.

 
Photo taken on July 9, 2008 shows a Tibetan woman picks fruits in Nyingchi Prefecture, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. The Tibet Autonomous Regional Government plans to invest 2.86 billion yuan in supporting agriculture and animal husbandry and helping farmers increase their incomes. (Xinhua Photo)

In 2009, the regional government will continue to increase investment in agriculture, and bring greater benefits to farmers, said a leading official with the regional government's Bureau of Finance.

This year, 710 million yuan will be allocated for building houses for 220,000 farmers, herdsmen and their families. This project is expected to be completed in 2010. Infrastructure including facilities for drinking water, electricity, roads, phone, TV and postal services in all villages will also be finished the same year.

Another 500 million yuan will be spent on promoting local industries turning out unique products to help farmers earn more. Meanwhile, a fund of 90 million yuan will be earmarked to improve the conditions for agriculture and animal husbandry in the region.

Moreover, 398 million yuan will be used to enhance work in grass-roots units and improve public services in rural areas all over sparsely-populated Tibet.