China's Agricultural Development: Structural Contradictions and Policy Transition

The primary contradiction facing China’s agricultural development has shifted from the previous undersupply to structural contradictions. This paper dissects these structural contradictions in terms of sectoral structure, product structure, organizational structure, technical structure, trade structure and spatial structure. Since reform and opening-up in 1978, China has followed a growth-oriented agricultural policy to ensure steady yield increase. Indeed, this policy has effectively increased the output of agricultural produce, safeguarded national food security, and enhanced agricultural production capabilities. However, China’s agriculture is yet to become internationally competitive, increase efficiency and farmers’ income, and improve the quality and safety of agricultural produce. As China’s agricultural development enters into a new stage of comprehensive transition and upgrade, it is essential for China’s agricultural policy to shift from the progrowth policy characterized by the dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides to an efficiency and quality-oriented policy that pursues green agriculture.