All sowing and plowing is mechanized. Most agriculture is devoted to grape cultivation and fruit and vegetable farming. Sunflower seed is the major industrial crop. Other agricultural products are grains, sugar beets, potatoes, meat, milk, and wool. Dairying and cattle breeding account for about a third of the agricultural output, followed by the raising of pigs.
Industry is the principal economic activity, employing nearly a third of all workers.
Machine building and metalworking are increasing. Light industries include the production of furs, knitwear, and silk fabrics. Moldova is a major producer of oils from roses, lavender, sage, and mint. Mineral wealth includes deposits of gypsum, clays, glass, sand, petroleum, and natural gas. There is a large hydroelectric station at Dubossary on the Dnestr River.