ABSTRACT
The agricultural sector in socialist countries is different than other sectors of the socialist economy. Its uniqueness can be seen in four different areas. First, the combined agricultural sectors of the socialist world affect as much as one-third of the world population directly. Second, in the agricultural sector there are three major categories of producers: state, collective, and private. Each is treated differently, particularly the private sector, which is deliberately obstructed by state policy. Third, in the agricultural sectors special planning, price mechanisms and incentive systems are operative. Fourth, the agricultural production process is highly specific with regard to biological factors and organizational-economic and social conditions. 1
