442 Modern Agricultural Reforms
Since the 1990s, a county has been recognized as a basic unit for implementation
of the strategy for sustainable development. A campaign for construction of eco-
counties has been developed all over China. Eco-county construction is intended to
enhance sustainable development capacity of the county by establishing ecologically
sound production systems and management mechanisms through ecological engin-
eering, ecological planning and ecological management. The construction of an
eco-county requires complicated systems engineering and is multi-disciplinary. It
needs the most extensive participation among decision makers, technicians and
peasants and includes surveys, systems diagnosis, planning, demonstration, imple-
mentation and assessment (Figure 18.5).
In order to promote the development of construction of an eco-county, a lead-
ing group was jointly organized by the State Planning Commission, State Com-
mission of Science and Technology, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Water
Resources, Ministry of Forestry, Ministry of Agriculture and the State Environ-
mental Protection Agency. Based on successful experiences in different physio-
geographical and economic conditions, it combines development of models with
demonstration and extension. Fifty-one counties with a total area of 120,000km^2
have been chosen as pilot sites for eco-county construction (Figure 18.6). In addi-
tion, there are many other demonstration and experimental sites constructed by
other ministries or various local governments throughout China. Although eco-
county construction is in the preliminary stage, it plays an important role in realizing
the goal of sustainable development, especially in rural agriculture. For example,
Baiquan County in Helongjiang Province is one of the best eco-counties.
Case study I: Eco-county construction in Yucheng
Background
Yucheng is located in the north-eastern part of Shandong Province, with an area of
990km^2 and 800,000 mu of arable land. It includes 18 townships with a popula-
tion of 489,000. Yucheng lies in the warm temperate zone and the low-lying land
along the ancient dykes of the Yellow River. The area is characterized by frequent
drought in spring; water logging in autumn, followed by serious salinization of the
soils. Agriculture production is low. According to statistical data from 1986–1988,
the mean annual yields of grain, cotton and edible oil were 239.5, 38.4 and 56kg/
mu, respectively, with per capita annual income of 187.6 yuan RMB.
In recent years, based on the principles of IFS, a massive campaign for con-
struction of eco-counties for sustainable development has been conducted. On the
basis of the development of the county as an integrated unit, a series of measures
have been taken and remarkable progress has been achieved. According to the local
natural and social conditions of the area, special attention has been paid to regulate
agricultural structure, diversify agricultural products, make comprehensive use of
natural resources, and ameliorate land conditions. A set of comprehensive tech-
niques has been set up to deal with problems related to soil amelioration, water
conservation and improvement of agricultural production.