Mongolia in 1985: From Plan to Plan

Abstract

In 1985 Mongolian People's Republic (MPR) finished last year of its 7th five-year plan and finalized preparations for beginning of its 8th. Jambyn Batmonh consolidated his position as leader of Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP), and Mongolia continued to express ambiguity about a developing Sino-Soviet relationship. Upon taking office in August 1984, Batmonh had decried mismanagement, waste, and nonproductive losses and stated that system of economic management was the weakest link in all our economic work.1 By June 1985, a major reorientation of economic work was announced during 10th plenum of MPRP Central Committee. The new plan, commencing with upcoming 1986-90 f ive-year plan but actually extending up to year 2000, focuses on developing agriculture and improving food supplies for population. According to Batmonh's report to plenum, much had been achieved in Mongolian agriculture but level was still short of requirements. Investment in agriculture will be increased dramatically by more than 30% in 8th five-year plan as compared with 7th. Planning, management, and economic stimulation would also be improved. Moreover, there will be a concerted effort to change popular eating habits so that people increase their consumption of starches (flour and noodles) and vegetables and consume proportionally less meat. The plan calls for a daily per