After the Mongolians came to Zhong Yuan, they changed a lot of farmlands to pastures which resulted in disasters to farming. When the Yuan Dynasty united the country, Yuan Shizu made emphasis on the development of agriculture. He established special departments in charge of agriculture and watering, and published a book named Nong Song Ji Yao nation wide to instruct production. In the Yuan Dynasty, the varieties of farm production increased, and after 30 years, cotton was popular throughout the country. Watermelons and some other fruits were exotic foods.

Husbandry

Husbandry developed in the north at a surprising rate. The government enlarged and improved the pastures and excavated a large number of wells in the northern grassland of Mo. By doing so, they supplied drinking water to both humans and animals. The developing of agriculture promoted the growth of population which reached nearly 70 million during the most prosperous time.