Comments on the Summary of the First Agricultural Cooperation Conference
(July 7, 1958)


Comrade Chen Boda:
This document [I] seems suitable for publication in Red Flag. What do you think? Tan Zhenlin has gone to Zhengzhou and will probably return to Beijing in about a week. After he comes back, we can discuss it with him. Let’s change the title and make only minor revisions to the text (no extensive changes).
Mao Zedong
July 7


Chuan


Refers to Tan Zhenlin’s summary delivered at the First Agricultural Cooperation Conference of the Four Provinces and One Municipality of East China, held in Hefei on June 25, 1958. In discussing the situation of agricultural development, the summary pointed out: “Judging from the conditions in the four provinces and one municipality of East China—Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Fujian, and Shanghai—there is great hope for the development of agricultural production. Last year, the total grain output of these regions was only 71.5 billion jin; this year it may reach 120-plus billion jin, an increase of more than 50 billion jin over last year. In other words, the original target of achieving an average of 1,000 jin of grain per person across the four provinces and one municipality—originally projected to be accomplished over four or five years—has now been met within a single year, essentially resolving the problem of food supply. Nationwide, grain production is estimated to exceed 500 billion jin. The task before us on the front of agricultural production is to strive actively for a bountiful autumn harvest this year and an even greater harvest next year, so as to achieve adequate food and clothing within two to three years.” The summary also set forth requirements concerning the pursuit of a comprehensive bumper harvest, ensuring the completion of the summer sowing plan, intensifying field management, and earnestly promoting improved farm tools and new types of animal-powered implements. This summary by Tan Zhenlin was later published in the sixth issue of Red Flag, dated August 16, 1958, under the title “Strive to Achieve Adequate Food and Clothing Within Two to Three Years.”