Property rights rule

Trung points out to me that since the doi moi, (economic reforms which commenced in 1986) agricultural production in Vietnam has soared. Now Vietnam is one of the three biggest exporters of rice in the world.
The reforms bestowed property rights for land and buffalo on farmers. Previous to this, collectivism was practiced.

This was achieved without any increase in technology or infrastructure. No new seeds, fertilisers or machinary. Just man, buffalo and incentive.