Figure 11. Principal Crops, 1990

Source: Based on information from Sophie Gherardi, "Bulgaria No Longer Able to Feed Itself," Guardian Weekly [Manchester, United Kingdom], 143, No. 26, December 9, 1990, 16.

Prior to World War II, agriculture was the leading sector in the Bulgarian economy. In 1939 agriculture contributed 65 percent of NMP, and four out of every five Bulgarians were employed in agriculture. The importance and organization of Bulgarian agriculture changed drastically after the war, however. By 1958 the BCP had collectivized a high percentage of Bulgarian farms in the next three decades the state used various forms of organization to improve productivity, but none succeeded. Meanwhile, private plots remained productive and often alleviated agricultural shortages during the Zhivkov era.

Data as of June 1992