Which of the following is true with regard to the reforms introduced in China in 1978?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → In agriculture, commune lands were divided into small plots allocated to individual households, who could keep all income from the land after paying stipulated taxes.
China’s 1978 reforms came in phases. In agriculture, commune lands were divided into small plots and given to households for use, not ownership. Households kept all income after paying the fixed taxes.
Option (1) In the initial phase of Chinese reforms, reforms were initiated in the industrial sector. — Incorrect. The first phase covered agriculture, foreign trade and investment.
Option (2) In the later phase, reforms were initiated in agriculture, foreign trade and investment sectors. — Incorrect. The later phase covered the industrial sector.
Option (3) In agriculture, commune lands were divided into small plots allocated to individual households, who could keep all income from the land after paying stipulated taxes. — Correct. This is how the farm reform worked.
Option (4) In agriculture, commune lands were handed over to individual households as their property. — Incorrect. The plots were given for use only; ownership stayed collective.
NCERT (2026-27): “8.2 Developmental Path—a Snapshot View … China introduced reforms in phases. In the initial phase, reforms were initiated in agriculture, foreign trade and investment sectors. In agriculture, for instance, commune lands were divided into small plots, which were allocated (for use not ownership) to individual households. They were allowed to keep all income from the land after paying stipulated taxes. In the later phase, reforms were initiated in the industrial sector. …” |