The state policy of the previous times did not promote the development of farming economy. The traditional field crop in Latgale is flax. The main grain crops are rye, wheat, barley, oats, for fodder also peas and maize. Potatoes are grown in sandy soil or in sandy loam. The main branch in animal husbandry is pigraising and dairy farming.
Some farmers also breed sheep, horses, turkeys, geese.
Some farms are engaged in fish breeding. In the second half of the 19 th century industry began to develop in Latgale. It was promoted by the construction of the railway. The first railway in Latvia linked Riga and Daugavpils in 1861. Of great importance for the development of national economy is the railway which connects St.