Soviet Agriculture under the Restructuring Policies

Abstract

The agricultural sector has long been a serious weakness in the Soviet economy and has hitherto largely resisted all attempts at reform. Now, under Mr. Gorbachev's new policy of perestroika, a determined new attack is to be made. This article reviews the new policies and assesses their prospect of success. It acknowledges that the inertia of Soviet bureaucracy, the inbuilt resistance to change, and the popular demand for quick results without incurring painful penalties must be weighed in the balance against purely technological factors.