Malagasy Republic's Agricultural Economy in Brief

Excerpts from the report: The Malagasy Republic is a land of substantial agricultural potential. Rice is the main crop and sizable gains in production are likely with the use of improved technology, particularly improved irrigation. The country's resources favor a large cattle population and prospects for increased commercial utilization of cattle are bright. Agriculture is the principal occupation in the Malagasy Republic. Over 90 percent of the population is engaged in a largely traditional agriculture which accounts for about 54 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). Agricultural products, primarily coffee, rice, vanilla, spices, and sugar, make up 80 to 90 percent of the value of the country's exports.