2. Background Information
In 1980 about 90% of PRC population lived in the countryside where
radical reforms were a economical necessity by the end of 1970s.
Greater agriculture was needed because the PRC relied on grain
imports and the population was rising therefore they needed more
food supply.
1977- Deng Xiaoping returned to power as the Deputy Chairman
and Deputy Prime Minister of the Party
Agriculture was one of The Four Modernisations launched by Deng
Xiaoping, in an aim to mark the beginning of a new Chinese Era.
3. What were the main Problems?
Main concern- the need for China’s agriculture and industry
to improve and become modernised.
Deng’s plan- To increase the output in agriculture, resulting
in him launching agriculture reforms in December 1978
Main Problem- Cooperative farms were failing to produce
enough food for the Chinese population. Therefore
leading China to import 13.7 millions tons of grain in
1982.
4. What happened- What were
the Changes?
The plots belonging to the peasants was increased in size
● Families were given responsibility for cultivating areas of
land in their commune during the Responsibility System
in 1978
● Contracts were signed with the promise to produce a fixed
value of food for sale to the state as well as selling any
leftovers at the market in order to gain profit
● The third plenum of the 11th central committee authorised reforms in rural areas
Local village markets, which had been prohibited since the 1960s were necessary, meaning farmers could grow
crops from profit, rather than only to fulfil government production and sell their produce to local markets
The CCP had become less hostile to at least limited capitalism to address certain economic crisis
5. Result of the Changes
● 1983- China had 44,000 markets where food could be sold
privately by farmers
● Income of agriculture workers tripled between 1977 and
1983
● 1984- China’s grain harvest reached 400 millions tons- an
improvement in output
● Improved standards of living after 1976, including- quantity
and quality of available food, incomes rising, household
consumption rising, education expanded, vaccinations for
children, water supplies and healthcare (medication)
Improvement of output
Improvement in the standard of living
Long term leases
