<P> With almost 80 % of the total land area suitable for crop production and about 17 % of the labor force engaged in farming , agriculture remains the primary occupation , accounting for 11 % of GDP in 2001 . Value of agricultural output grew at an average annual rate of 7.1 % during 1968 -- 73 , but since 1975 the sector has been hampered by droughts ( 1975 , 1977 , and 1979 ) , hurricanes ( in 1979 and 1980 ) , and slumping world prices and quota allocations for sugar ( since 1985 ) . In 1999 , agricultural production was 0.4 % higher than during 1989 -- 91 . The fertile Cibao Valley is the main agricultural center . In 1998 , arable land totaled 1,020,000 hectares ( 2,500,000 acres ) ; with land under permanent crops at 480,000 hectares ( 1,200,000 acres ) . </P>
<P> With almost 80 % of the total land area suitable for crop production and about 17 % of the labor force engaged in farming , agriculture remains the primary occupation , accounting for 11 % of GDP in 2001 . Value of agricultural output grew at an average annual rate of 7.1 % during 1968 -- 73 , but since 1975 the sector has been hampered by droughts ( 1975 , 1977 , and 1979 ) , hurricanes ( in 1979 and 1980 ) , and slumping world prices and quota allocations for sugar ( since 1985 ) . In 1999 , agricultural production was 0.4 % higher than during 1989 -- 91 . The fertile Cibao Valley is the main agricultural center . In 1998 , arable land totaled 1,020,000 hectares ( 2,500,000 acres ) ; with land under permanent crops at 480,000 hectares ( 1,200,000 acres ) . </P>
what is the main industry in the dominican republic
what is the main industry in the dominican republic
agriculture
agriculture