Grapes remain the dominant industry in the village, where the long hours of sunshine are favorable to the cultivation of the local sweet-flavored variety. The residents plant the fruit on their 153 hectares of communal land.

"However, in this village of about 3,100 residents, the amount of arable land per capita does not provide enough income. Pigeon breeding only takes a little space and the birds lay more eggs than chickens over the same period," Askar said.

To attract more people to the activity, the village committee introduced pigeons from Shandong province and gave them to people who had experienced difficulties starting businesses.

Breeding experts from the Turpan science and technology bureau were also invited to give lessons to the villagers. Last year, a team of experts and officials from Hunan province came to support the area's development. They provided the locals with free pigeon cages.

Outside support

The team built a cultural square for pigeon trading and appreciation, and other forms of entertainment such as singing and dancing. Some of the experts also provided information about breeding techniques.

"We sell pigeons both online and offline. We promote our products on Douyin (a short-video app, known as TikTok in the West) and WeChat," Askar said.

Currently, about 200 villagers breed about 10,000 pairs of pigeons in the village every year.