Spending time in rural mountain villages in China, I wept upon seeing the contrast to life the way it was to so many on the planet. Some of the healthiest people and situations you would have ever encountered.
China’s agriculture has a long and rich history that dates back to ancient times, and it is widely regarded as one of the oldest and most advanced agricultural systems in the world. Traditional Chinese agriculture has been able to support the country’s civilization for over 5000 years, and this is largely due to the innovative techniques and methods that were used by Chinese farmers over the centuries.
One of the most significant aspects of traditional Chinese agriculture was its emphasis on the use of water in the landscape. The Chinese were pioneers in irrigation and water management, and they used these techniques to grow crops even in areas with limited water resources. They built sophisticated systems of canals and aqueducts, and they also developed a range of water-saving techniques, such as drip irrigation and floodwater harvesting.
In addition to irrigation, the Chinese also used other techniques to make the most of their land. They practiced terracing, which involved cutting flat steps into hillsides to create more arable land, and they also used fertilizers made from animal manure and other organic materials to enrich the soil. They also developed techniques for crop rotation, which helped to prevent soil exhaustion and maintain soil fertility.
Chinese farms were organized in a way that was highly communal, with the emphasis on cooperation and shared responsibility. Farmers often worked together in cooperatives, with each family responsible for a specific plot of land. The cooperation between families was crucial for the success of the farm, as it allowed them to pool their resources and knowledge to achieve better results.
Family structure was also important in traditional Chinese agriculture. Families were often large and extended, and there was a strong emphasis on passing on farming knowledge from one generation to the next. Children were taught the skills and techniques of farming from a young age, and they often worked alongside their parents and grandparents in the fields.
The crops that were grown in traditional Chinese agriculture were diverse, and included rice, wheat, soybeans, barley, millet, and corn. The Chinese also developed a range of specialized techniques for growing fruits and vegetables, such as grafting and crossbreeding, which allowed them to produce high-quality crops with desirable characteristics.
Animals were also an important part of traditional Chinese agriculture. The Chinese used a variety of domesticated animals for farming, including oxen, water buffalo, horses, and pigs. These animals were used for plowing fields, transporting goods, and providing meat, milk, and other products.
The success of traditional Chinese agriculture was due in part to the Chinese philosophy and belief systems that were deeply ingrained in their culture. The Chinese believed that nature was a complex and interconnected system, and that humans were a part of that system. They saw themselves as stewards of the land, and they believed that they had a responsibility to take care of it and preserve its natural balance.
This belief in the interconnectedness of nature led the Chinese to develop a range of sustainable practices that allowed them to farm in a way that was both productive and environmentally responsible. They understood the importance of maintaining soil fertility and conserving water resources, and they developed techniques that allowed them to do so.
Yes indeed, traditional Chinese agriculture was a highly sophisticated and innovative system that allowed the Chinese to support a robust and healthy civilization for over 5000 years. The Chinese were pioneers in irrigation and water management, and they developed a range of techniques for making the most of their land. They also emphasized cooperation and communal responsibility, and they had a deep respect for nature that led them to develop sustainable practices that allowed them to farm in a way that was both productive and environmentally responsible.
The Chinese still maintain aggressively innovative tactics in how they are running their nation. Who’s to say how it will all end.