Agricultural Instability In China 1931-1990

This article discusses the agricultural instability in China from 1931 to 1990. Professor Kueh has used detailed statistical data and other sources of material to provide a scholarly and authoritative account of this vital part of the Chinese economy. He has distinguished the effect of natural, economic, and institutional factors on the level of agricultural production, and has described policy changes, technological advances, and natural factors such as climactic conditions. The strength of this book lies not only in its collection and analysis of data, but also in the innovative methodological process used, including the construction of a 'weather index'. This study will be invaluable not only for Chinese studies scholars, but for those wishing to undertake similar work for other countries.

China is particularly dependent upon her agricultural surplus for financing her ambitious industrialization programme, but the performance of the agricultural sector of the economy has been extremely unstable throughout the twentieth century. Professor Kueh provides a scholarly and authoritative account of this vital part of the Chinese economy during the period 1931-1990, based upon detailed statistical data and other sources of material. Professor Kueh has achieved a unique analysis of the interrelationships between natural, economic, and institutional factors, which lie at the heart of China's agricultural performance. He describes policy changes, technological advances, and natural factors such as climactic conditions, and distinguishes the effect of each factor in the varying level of agricultural production. The strength of this book lies not only in its collection and analysis of data but in the innovative methodological process used, including the construction of a 'weather index', which will be invaluable not only for Chinese studies scholars but also for those wishing to undertake similar work for other countries. Review: That Kueh has undertaken a huge task is evident. An astonishing amount of data is presented ... Kueh has analysed all data with a sophisticated method which he describes in detail. Kueh's study offers many insights into Chinese agricultural policies and the natural conditions of farming. The methods used are interesting and very sophisticated, the wealth of data impressive. The author clearly presents his methods as also the gaps, which caution him against simplifying conclusions. Theodor Bergmann, Internationales Asienforum, International Quarterly of Asian Studies, November 1996 3-4/96 a comprehensive rendering of his work investigating temporal and spatial instability of agricultural production in China, with an emphasis on grain. ... As the debate on China's grain self-sufficiency continues, Y Y Kueh has provided a reasoned and comprehensive analysis which draws attention to the main factors associated with increased production and agricultural instability in the past, and which will remain important in the future. The Journal of Asian Studies, vol.56.1