Agriculture Planning, Soviet Propaganda

This Soviet economic planning poster from the early 1960s promotes increased production of two important agricultural crops: cotton and sugar beets. Illustrated crops are paired with charts showing the Soviet Union’s projected production goals through 1980. Cotton production was projected to increase from 4.3 million tons in 1960 to 10–11 million tons by 1980, while sugar beet production was expected to rise from 57.7 million to 98–108 million tons. Cotton was particularly important to the economies of the Central Asian Soviet republics, especially Uzbekistan, while sugar beets supplied the country’s domestic sugar industry. Produced during the Khrushchev era, the poster reflects the Soviet government’s emphasis on agricultural expansion and long-term economic planning. By presenting production statistics alongside familiar crops, posters like this communicated state economic goals in a format intended to be easily understood by the public. Size: 17.0" x 11.0" Condition: Very Good, Age-appropriate wear, fading and toning. Blemishing in upper area of plant. Please use the photo zoom feature to get a better understanding of overall condition. *Additional photos available upon request.