K. This is the 1st working draft of vol. VI. It still ... - From Marx to Mao

328 MAO TSE-TUNG
entious and practical spirit of the comrades of Jingbian provides an
effective model for the various counties. Although the water-conservancy
conditions in other counties cannot be the same as those in
Jingbian, by relying on the leadership of the Party and government
and the efforts of the people some water conservancy can be started
in those places where conditions are really right. In 1943 the government
should set aside 2 million yuan as funds for carrying aft
water conservancy works in the Yangquiaopan area of Jingbian, the
Huluhe area of Fuxian and so forth.
(2) We should popularize the use of superior-quality seeds. If
we have good seeds we can get a bigger harvest even without increasing
labour and manure. For example, the Guanghua Agricul-
FROM MARX
TO MAO
tural Station has already successfully tried out the “Wolf’s tail” seed.
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It has a high yield, is resistant to insects and birds, and can be planted
anywhere. Their sweet-potato yield is also higher than average. We
should encourage the peasants to plant them. First each county
should select one or two districts and order some peasants to carry
out tests. If they find the soil and climate suitable, then such seeds
can be popularized so as to increase production.
(3) We should encourage the opening up of new land and the
turning over of the earth during autumn, as this can reduce insect
pests and promote the aeration of the soil. It can also conserve the
water content and increase NOT the harvest FOR of the following year.
(4) After popularizing the organization of mutual-aid co-operatives
we should encourage the peasants to increase the number of
times they hoe weeds. COMMERCIAL
The purpose of hoeing weeds is not only to
get rid of weeds and to help the seedling, but also to conserve water
and resist drought. If we increase the number of times we undertake
hoeing, we can increase the amount of harvest even if we do
not use much manure. DISTRIBUTION
(5) In the summer and winter of 1943 the five sub-regions should
separately hold exhibitions organized by the Reconstruction Department
[Jianting] and five special offices [zhuanshu]. In the light of
the experience of the two previous agricultural exhibitions in the
Border Region, we should improve the layout, introduce and promote
the achievements of model-peasants, and popularize an agricultural
production movement in the labour style and skills of Wu
Manyou. In 1943 the agricultural exhibition of the sub-regions
should include the achievements of the troops, the official organizations
and schools in agricultural production. This will encourage