A new book has offered a fresh perspective on the building of a
harmonious socialist countryside by seeking out the opinions of
those that matter most: The farmers themselves.
While so far most discussions have focused on government
policies and the opinions of academics, the research team behind
the book, Construction of a New Countryside: Farmers'
Perspectives, surveyed approximately 500 farmers in four
provinces.
"Farmers are disadvantaged in mass communication. They can't get
their voices heard on something that they are in fact leading,"
Song Yuehua, chief editor of publisher Social Science Academic
Press, said on Tuesday at the launch.
The research found nine areas of concern among farmers, although
researchers stressed the range of local viewpoints.
"Opinions on the new socialist countryside are just so diverse
among people of different gender, age, education and region.
Therefore, authorities should avoid applying the same stereotypes
to all villages," said Ye Jingzhong, initiator of the book and also
vice-dean of the Humanities and Development School of China
Agriculture University.
One popular complaint was that while the central government is
investing heavily in the project, farmers are not seeing much of
these funds as they are being used up at county or township
level.
Farmers said they experienced problems in getting loans for
agricultural products. More than 66 per cent said they could not
make sufficient investment in their land despite willingness to
develop it.
The system of model villages was criticised, as selection and
building of model villages is generally based on villages that are
already well off.
"Their development experience cannot be copied by other
villages. Also, input focused on model villages may lead to further
imbalance of resources," the research group quoted surveyed farmers
as saying.
Another finding was over misleading media reports that cause
farmers to lack a clear picture of what a new countryside will
mean: 30 per cent thought the project could be achieved in 5 years,
while in fact it is long-term plan.
Also, a large proportion of surveyed farmers said that instead
of a pleasant village environment as proposed by the central
government, what they now need most is improvement in hygiene
facilities and waste management.
Noting that 88 million women, children and elderly in the
countryside lack necessary care, the research team called for more
effective measures to ensure their safety, welfare and
education.
According to Song, the new findings will help scholars and
decision-makers modify their policies to better serve farmers.
Premier Wen Jiabao and Vice- Premier Hui Liangyu, who is in
charge of agriculture issues, have taken note of the research
findings.
In a letter of response quoted by Ye, the two said "the research
touches upon noteworthy issues, and will ensure related bureaus
better understand and enforce the countryside policy."
The country kicked off a massive campaign to build a harmonious
socialist countryside this year, calling for developed production,
relative affluence, a hygienic and pleasant social environment and
democratic administration.
The central government has allocated 339.7 billion yuan (US$42.5
billion) this year from the central treasury to agriculture, the
countryside and farmers. This will pay for the abolition of
agricultural taxes and additional charges and fees, input into
infrastructure construction and a medical welfare system.
(China Daily November 23, 2006)