Some initial results of China's new agricultural policies

Since 1978, China has been shifting its rural development strategy to greater reliance on individual activities and incentives, and to market coordination. Analysis of national aggregate and provincial quantitative data reveals the following trends: (1) Production of most agricultural commodities, particularly cash crops, has grown. (2) Efficiency in the use of fertilizer inputs has improved. (3) Regional specialization in crop production seems to be increasing. (4) Most regions with low agricultural production per capita are now growing rapidly. The first stages of reform have been successful, but there will be many new problems ahead.