describe the collectivisation programme of Stalin.
Answers
Acute shortages of grain supplies and outdated mode of production on small land holdings led Stalin to introduce the system of collectivisation.
Under collectivisation, land was taken away from peasants, Kulaks eliminated and large state controlled farms established. Peasants were forced to cultivate on these collective farms (Kolkboz).
Large size of farms enabled introduction of modern techniques and machinery. Land and implements were transferred to the ownership of the collective farms. A profit of the farms was to be shared among the peasants.
Many peasants resisted collectivisation. Resistance was severely punished. Many peasants were deported or exiled.
Collectivisation however did not lead to increase in production immediately.
1 .Russia was facing a crisis of shortage of food grains.
2. The peasants refused to sell grains at the prices fixed by the Government, resulting in
the shortage of grain supplies in many cities.
3. Stalin took over the reins of the party after the death of Lenin. He introduced strict measures.
4. In 1928, the party members visited many villages and raided rich peasants known as the ‘kulaks’.
5. The party converted small landholdings of many peasants into one
collective large farm.
6. All large collectivised farms were cultivated by the farmers with the help of tools pooled together.
The profits of the farms were shared among the cultivators.
7. Many peasants resisted the policy of collectivisation. They were severely punished by the state.
8. Many of them were deported and exiled. Stalin allowed only some independent cultivations.