Agro-industrialization - A comparative study of China and developed countries

This paper analyses and compares the differences between China and developed countries in terms of resource endowment, agricultural productivity, scale of farmland operation and agricultural intensification. Major findings include: (1) agriculture in China has insufficient natural resources (for agricultural production) but abundant labour resources, low labour productivity but relatively high land productivity; (2) China's ultra-small farm size has seriously hindered increases in labour productivity and in farmers' incomes; (3) China's agriculture has low intensification, limited mechanization but high chemical utilization; and (4) the organization of farmers in China is very limited, resulting in a poor ability to overcome natural and market risks. Recommendations are made on policies for further development of China's agricultural industrialization.