Agriculture in Tajikistan

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Agriculture in Tajikistan comprises 23.4% of the total GDP of Tajikistan's economy, but it employs 67.2% of the total labor force. Despite this, only 27% of total land is used for agricultural purposes - 6% as cropland and 23% as pasture.

Most crops in Tajikistan require irrigation for successful cultivation. The largest crop in terms of economic importance is cotton which is cultivated in the Vakhsh River valley, the Zeravshan River valley, and in the general vicinity of Vahdat (Kofarnihon). The intensive cotton cultivation in Tajikistan during Soviet times contributed to the drying of the Aral Sea and may still be doing so.

Wheat is also cultivated, mostly in the southern plains of Khatlon province. Other crops include potatoes, barley, and melons. The north of the country produces apricots, pears, plums, apples, cherries, pomegranates, figs, and nuts for local consumption.

Animals raised in Tajikistan include (in descending order of importance) chickens, cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. Beef, mutton, and poultry are the most important meat products; cow's milk, goat's milk, cheese, and wool are also important. Silk production exists, but remains a comparatively minor industry.