The government is now experimenting with contracting
out "wastelands" to farming households with 30- to 50-year
user rights for an annual rent.
Wasteland means land that is not presently cultivated.
There is a large amount of wastelands in the loess plateau,
since the region is so thinly populated.
If the policy is implemented, it will give a big boost
to the economy in this region from increased investments.
The top picture shows a hilltop being terraced and planted
with fruit trees. The terracing is not of high standard,
and probably would not withstand erosion due to a major
rainstorm, but it is an improvement nevertheless.
The bottom picture shows the nostalgic waterwheel.
Picture source: YRCC, Huanghe Feng,
Yellow River Pub House, 1996.