1.2 Investment In agriculture and the Virgin Lands Scheme Flashcards
1
Q
How did Krushchev attempt to win over the peasants for collectivization in order to increase productivity? (6)
A
- in 1955, individual collectives were given greater powers to make decisions at local levels
- MTS abolished and replaced by system that expected each collective to buy its own machinery
- collectives were increased jn size, which was good to create greater economies of scale and it led to a rapid increase in mechanization, fertilizers and irrigation, but it was unpopular with the peasants
- system of compulsory seizure of food was replaced by planned state purchases, meant to increase productivity
- peasants were allowed to sell private produce at private markets
- virgin lands scheme introduced
2
Q
Virgin Lands Scheme (year)
A
1954
3
Q
Virgin Lands Scheme (3)
A
- encouraged the opening of new areas to agricultural production
- volunteers were put to work in areas such as Siberia and Kazakhstan
- six million acres of land were cultivated and over 120 000 tractors were provided for scheme
4
Q
Impact of Krushchev’s Agricultural Measures and the Virgin Land Schemes on agricultural production (3)
A
- succeeded in raising the status of agriculture in the Soviet Economy
- in 1959, the target for grain production in Kazakhstan was not met, which was the first sign that the Virgin Lands Scheme was failing
- the ultimate sign of failure was when the USSR had to import grain from North America and Australia
