Planting seeds of stability

China's experience of attempting to develop a modern agricultural system over the past 60 years can teach many other developing countries important lessons.

The main lesson from the first half of this period is that government policies regulating and limiting small farmers' participation can constrain development.

The lesson from the last 30 years is that reform, more market integration, and an increasing focus on research and development can lead to tremendous success in agriculture and the development of the rural economy.