The Republic of Tajikistan, a former part of the Soviet Union, became a sovereign state in 1991. Employing 67 per cent of the working population, agriculture is the main economic sector in Tajikistan. During the time of the Soviet Union agriculture was very pesticide intensive. Various preparations containing organochlorine, organophosphorous and mercury compounds were used. All pesticides in Tajikistan were imported, including DDT which was used for cotton and vegetable crops. The excessive use and poor management of chemical pesticides in agriculture have had severe environmental effects in Tajikistan.