Agriculture

The provinces terrain is well-suited to agriculture as its soils are extremely fertile. Potatoes in particular are cultivated in the cantons of Tulcan and Montufar. Carchi is essentially as potato-growing province and is one of the country’s most important agricultural centres of potato production. Years ago, barley production was most important in the area which depended on the Colombian beer refinery. However, the industry then branched out into new territory. Corn, wheat, peas, beans and broad beans are other important foodstuffs grown in the area.

 

Cattle Farming

National and international experts have established that the plateaus of Carchi constitute some of the most optimal zones for breeding cows, for milk as well as meat. The canton of Tulcan dedicates the most of its territory to farming and also has the largest bovine population. The quality of the cattle has improved thanks to the introduction of thoroughbred studs. In the main haciendas milk production is carried out using special technical processes, for this reason the region has a higher daily litre production average than the rest of the country. With regards to meat production, its growth has been impeded by some pricing problems, mainly to do with supply and demand in Colombia .

 

Forest Resources

The north western zone of the province is especially abundant in forests, especially cedar, eucalyptus and pine forests. There are several saw mills in the area for wood exploitation, but the province is suffering the same problems as other provinces in Ecuador : irregular exploitation of the forests.

 

Irrigation

The most important irrigation project is that in Montufar which serves to irrigate an area extending 2,840 hectares benefiting 250 families in La Paz , Bolivar and Los Andes parishes.

 

Mining and Industry

Until 1983 there were no registered mines in the area. In 1985 metal deposits, minerals and quarries were discovered. With regards to industrial development, it is still budding. There are 12 businesses producing foodstuffs, drinks and tobacco. La Lechera Carchi is one of the most well-known businesses distributing its products across the country.

 

Business on the Border

Business in Carchi is closely linked with business in neighbouring department Narino , Colombia , on the border. Contraband used to be tolerated by the authorities, however, a series of agreements outlining cooperation between the two countries and a reduction in tariffs have legalised activity previously considered illegal. A larger variety of products is the main aim of the cooperation between the two countries. Ecuador exports agricultural products and some manufactured goods.

 

Routes

The province of Carchi has around 148 km of asphalted roads (the northern Panamerican highway) and hundreds of kilometres of secondary roads constructed by the Provincial Council. All of these roads are connected by the Panamerican highway, the axis road of the province.

Last Updated 7th August 2006 (DLW)