Geographical Limitations to Food Production in the Mongolian Peoples Republic

Abstract

N the critical political situation in Eastern Asia today, Soviet Russia's control over the destinies of Outer Mongolia raises questions about the nature of Outer Mongolia's value to Russia. This value may be found either in what Outer Mongolia may export to strengthen the economy of Eastern Siberia, or it may be found in the development of an economy within Mongolia that is more self-sufficient and capable of sustaining greater military potential, or in both. In the past, exports of animals and animal products from Outer Mongolia have contributed significant support to the Russian Army in Siberia. It is to Soviet Russia's interest to maximize Outer Mongolia's capacity to export such products. On the other hand, since about 1931 when the USSR began to monopolize Outer Mongolia's trade, it has had to supply the grain deficit of Outer Mongolia formerly supplied by trade with China and Manchuria. It is likewise to Soviet Russia's interest, therefore, to aid the Mongols to acquire self-sufficiency and even to help supply the need in food-short Siberia. Thus, the production of animal and cereal foods in the Mongolian Peoples Republic is of political and strategic significance in the development of interior and northeastern Asia. In the present study, an analysis is made of the limiting factors in the production of animal and cereal foods. Important in this analysis are the nature of the geographical base for animal husbandry and agriculture, the obstacles in the way of the pastoral and agricultural industries, and the steps taken for the improvement and extension of both. Among the chief obstacles to improvement and extension of animal husbandry is the overstocking of a range with a limited grazing capacity. Hindering the development of cereal culture is the limiting factor of moisture deficiency as well as certain cultural aspects of Mongol life. While the latter may be overcome by a forceful Russian policy, Nature's limitations are not so amenable to removal. The economic and political effects of the changes and improvements made may not be as great, therefore, as Soviet Russia hopes them to be.