Abstract: To take an overall grasp of the characteristics of Shanxi agriculture and to analyze the agronomical disciplines to better guide the practice of Shanxi agriculture, Shanxi cotton production during the Period of the Republic of China will be displayed through retrieving, examining and clarifying relevant substantial source material. Despite the turbulent political situation and incessant natural disasters during the Period of the Republic of China, cotton production in Shanxi Province still took a fair step forward in general. In particular, three factors contributing to the improvement of cotton production will be highlighted: 1. the influence of the fluctuation of market supply and demand; 2. the government’s appeal to agricultural technical progress; 3. the significance attached to the cultivar introduction and modification. Yet those factors, namely government support, scientific innovation and an effective link with market, are no less applicable to inspiring current approaches to boost agricultural development: