MALAGASY NATIONAL POLICE

d. Production of peanuts and sugar is on the increase while
other crops, important in the past, have fallen off in recent years,
namely cassava, corn, sisal. 'There-is a surplus of vanilla which is now
causing considerable concern.
e. There is one aspect of livestock production which is quite
typical of Madagascar. Cattle are regarded as a'visible sign of wealth,
rather than a means of livelihood. For this reason, there are large
herds of cattle totalling more than 6 million heads. The native breed
of cattle is the zebu, which is characterized by a fatty hump and makes
excellent beef. Nearly 800,000 head are slaughtered each year.
f. Hogs, sheep and goats are also raised-chiefly in the high
plateaus and in the south.
3. Power
The island has good potential sources of power: Coal in
Tulear Province, uranium-and thorium in the south, large rivers which
are now being studied for eventual hydroelectric power. In 1957, 22
steam plants and a hydroelectric plants furnished a total of 85 million
kwh.
4. Mines
With the exception of coal, graphite and mica, the .island seems
to offer a sampling of minerals rather than large deposits. It is now
one of the worldts largest graphite producers (12,000 tons in 195a).
One thousand tons of mica are produced annually, 54% of which is exported
to the United States.
5. Industry
The Chief industries at present are the processing industries
Alaai
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