China's Agricultural Modernization: The Socialist Mechanization Scheme

This study investigates the actual experience in mechanization during the Fourth Five Year Plan period in China, examining the historical perspective, development approach, mechanism, outcomes, and problems. It explores the issues involved in agricultural development and mechanization through a more integral analysis of technological transformation and China's quest for social and economic development.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Originally published in 1985, this study delves into the profound transformation that mechanization underwent during China's Fourth Five-Year Plan period, a pivotal era in the country's rural development. It explores the historical context and the development approach that guided mechanization efforts during this crucial 5-year span, examining the mechanisms, outcomes, and challenges that emerged. The book goes beyond a mere examination of agricultural development and mechanization by offering a comprehensive analysis of how technological transformation has intertwined with China's pursuit of social and economic progress.

The study begins by examining the historical background, including the political, economic, and social factors that shaped China's rural landscape during the Fourth Five-Year Plan. It sheds light on the government's efforts to modernize agriculture and improve rural livelihoods, as well as the challenges and opportunities that mechanization presented.

The development approach under which mechanization efforts were pursued during the Fourth Five-Year Plan is then analyzed in detail. The study explores the various policies, programs, and initiatives implemented by the government to promote mechanization, including land reform, irrigation infrastructure development, and the introduction of new agricultural technologies. It also examines the role of private sector actors, such as farmers and agricultural enterprises, in mechanization efforts and the impact of their involvement on the overall outcomes.

The mechanism, outcomes, and problems associated with mechanization during the Fourth Five-Year Plan are extensively explored. The study examines the technological advancements that were made during this period, including the introduction of new machinery, equipment, and agricultural practices. It also assesses the impact of mechanization on agricultural productivity, labor efficiency, and rural livelihoods.

Furthermore, the book addresses the issues involved in agricultural development and mechanization through a more integral analysis of the way technological transformation has been linked to China's quest for social and economic development. It explores the social and economic changes that have occurred in rural areas as a result of mechanization, including the increased income and employment opportunities for farmers, the improvement of food security, and the reduction of poverty.

However, the study also highlights the challenges and problems associated with mechanization. It examines the environmental impact of agricultural mechanization, including soil erosion, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. It also discusses the issue of rural-urban migration, which has been a consequence of mechanization and has led to social and economic disparities in rural communities.

In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of the actual experience in mechanization during the Fourth Five-Year Plan period. It sheds light on the historical perspective, development approach, mechanisms, outcomes, and problems associated with mechanization, and offers valuable insights into the issues involved in agricultural development and mechanization in China. The book is a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners interested in understanding the complex relationship between technology, agriculture, and social development in China.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032469577