One of the most significant ways in which the Soviet Union turned agriculture into an industry was through collectivization. This process began in the early 1930s, and involved the forced consolidation of small, privately-owned farms into larger, state-run collective farms. Collectivization was a major disruption to the traditional way of life for many Soviet farmers, and led to widespread resistance and even violence. However, it also allowed the Soviet government to exert more control over the agricultural sector and to increase production.
Mechanization
The Soviet Union also invested heavily in the mechanization of agriculture. This included the introduction of tractors, combines, and other farm machinery, which allowed for the cultivation of larger areas of land and the increased efficiency of agricultural production. Mechanization also helped to free up labor from the agricultural sector, which could then be used in other areas of the economy.
Irrigation
Another important aspect of the Soviet Union's agricultural transformation was the development of large-scale irrigation projects. These projects allowed the Soviet Union to bring vast tracts of previously arid land under cultivation, and to increase the productivity of existing farmland. Irrigation was particularly important in the southern regions of the Soviet Union, where the climate is hot and dry.
Agrochemicals
The Soviet Union also made extensive use of agrochemicals, such as fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. These chemicals helped to increase crop yields and reduce the risk of crop failure. However, the overuse of agrochemicals could also lead to environmental problems, such as water pollution and soil degradation.
Science and Research
The Soviet Union also invested heavily in agricultural science and research. This included the establishment of agricultural universities and research institutes, and the development of new crop varieties and farming techniques. Agricultural science and research helped to improve the efficiency of agricultural production and to increase crop yields.
By combining these and other measures, the Soviet Union was able to turn agriculture into an industry and to meet the growing food demands of its population. However, the Soviet agricultural system was also inefficient and subject to a number of problems, including corruption, mismanagement, and shortages.