The report suggested that, in order to meet the needs of agricultural development and to realize the plan to produce seven million tons of chemical fertilizers by 1962, in addition to establishing fertilizer plants at the central and provincial levels, fertilizer plants should also be set up at the prefectural and county levels. In this way, fertilizer plants would be built simultaneously at all four administrative levels, enabling nitrogen fertilizer output to reach 180–200 million tons by 1962. Coupled with 50–70 million tons of phosphate fertilizer and some potash fertilizer, China could then far surpass Britain in total fertilizer production. Moreover, there would be good prospects for catching up with Britain in terms of fertilizer application per mu within ten years.

--- Notes

Comments on Peng Tao’s Report on the Development of the Organic Synthetic Chemical Industry [1] (March 22, 1958): It is acceptable. Submit it for discussion. After the author returns to Beijing, please have all chemical terms in the text annotated with their molecular formulas. The document drafted in March concerning the establishment of fertilizer plants at four levels [2] is not as vivid or persuasive as this one; if time permits, it should be rewritten. Mao Zedong, March 22. Printed from the manuscript. Notes [1] Refers to a report dated March 21, 1958, by Peng Tao, Minister of the Chemical Industry, addressed to Mao Zedong and the Central Committee, on the development of the organic synthetic chemical industry. The report outlined the composition and construction plans for China’s organic synthetic chemical industry, arguing that China could achieve a Great Leap forward in organic chemical products as well, and proposed following a path of developing the synthetic chemical industry primarily based on calcium carbide, in light of China’s specific conditions. Upon reviewing this report, Mao Zedong changed its title to “Can China’s Organic Synthetic Chemical Industry Achieve a Great Leap Forward? Can It Catch Up with Britain Within Ten Years?” He also revised the sentence in the report stating, “Based on China’s specific conditions, we should, at least within ten years, follow a path centered on calcium carbide,” to read, “Based on China’s specific conditions, we should, over a prolonged period, follow a path centered on calcium carbide.” This report was distributed as a document at the Chengdu Conference. [2] Refers to a report dated March 4, 1958, by Peng Tao, addressed to Mao Zedong and the Central Committee. The report…