ABSTRACT
Between 1957 and 1958, the central issue relating to agriculture was how collectivization should proceed; these were years of transition and of searching for new ways. The problems and contradictions of policies, both economic and social, of the first half of the 1950s, culminated in the uprising of 1956. A new line of policies was soon taking shape which, although committed to the development of heavy industry, gave greater priority to the improvement of standards of living and support of agriculture. Opinions in the Party leadership were divided on the issue of how collectivization should proceed. A new series of regulations were passed, such as the limitation of central directives on agricultural production, cancellation of compulsory production plans, adjustment of prices for agricultural products, allowance of free sale of lands up to 5 holds and relaxation of limitations on the lease of land. Collectives were extended over 77% of the country's agricultural land and included 68% of its animal stock.
