Agricultural policies in ancient China

Ancient China's agricultural policies focused on ensuring stable food production and social stability. The government promoted land irrigation, crop diversification, and technological innovations like plowing and seed selection. Policies included land redistribution to prevent inequalities and taxes based on harvests rather than land size, encouraging farmers to increase productivity. State-controlled granaries stored surplus grain to prevent famine, and large projects like the construction of canals supported irrigation. Additionally, agricultural manuals and scholar-officials advised farmers, fostering sustainable practices. These policies aimed to maximize grain output and maintain social order through effective management of agricultural resources.