Anhui Rural Reform Oral History

Author: Zhou Yanjiu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-12-01
Features: The rural reforms in Anhui have long been a focal point for the Chinese people because they not only carry the pioneering spirit but also possess unique characteristics, exerting a significant nationwide impact. With the care and strong support of the comrades in charge of the Provincial Committee, the Provincial Committee of the History Research Institute organized efforts and, after more than a year of hard work, wrote this book around the major historical events of the rural reforms in Anhui. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, reforms in Anhui such as the "three transformations" in agriculture, the "responsibility fields," the "big contract system," and the rural tax and fee reforms have always been a focal point of national attention in the realm of rural production relations. Especially since the late 1970s, when Anhui pioneered the "big contract system," it marked the beginning of China's reform and opening-up. Learning from history reveals gains and losses. To authentically record this valuable period, we interviewed the former leaders and those who personally experienced each reform, compiling their accounts and testimonies into this "Oral History of Rural Reforms in Anhui." This book discusses Anhui's rural reforms from four aspects: "Implementing the 'three transformations' in agriculture and exploring 'disaster-proofing for income,' " "Practicing the 'responsibility fields' as a 'dress rehearsal' for rural reform," "Establishing the 'big contract system' and igniting the wave of reform," and "Implementing the tax and fee reform to reduce the burden on farmers."