AGRICULTURE
The
province’s
varied climate
means that
agriculture
is diverse.
Principle
produce includes
cereals, vegetables,
fruits and
medicinal
plants. Potatoes
are also important
and in 1985
their production
exceeded 90
thousand metric
tons. Other
important
products include
barley, corn,
beans, broad
beans, onions,
lettuce and
parsnips.
Apples are
also grown
in Penipe-Bayusig.
It is estimated
that agricultural
production
takes up some
56 thousand
hectares of
the province’s
land and that
the pastures
extend for
some 166 thousand
hectares.
Pigs, sheep
and cows are
bred here
for consumption
purposes.
The province
has a high
horse, donkey
and mule population.
Mines
and other
natural resources
Gold, silver,
copper, iron
and gypsum
and even hydrocarbon
mines exist
in the province.
In Tixan there
are sulphur
mines, which,
until recently,
were a concession
of the North
American firm
Chemical Plants.
In Zula, (located
in the canton
of Alausi)
there are
clay mines.
The most important
mineral springs
are those
of Santa Cruz
, Cubijies,
Guayllabamba
and Palitagua.
Hydro resources
are in abundance
and are used
in for electric
energy and
irrigation
purposes.
Chambo is
an important
source of
irrigation,
which supplies
water to some
7830 hectares
of land in
the province.
Some 15,000
fish have
been introduced
into rivers
Ulpan, Chibunga,
Nitiluisa,
Sali, Huacona
and Timbul.
INDUSTRY
An industrial
park is located
towards the
south of Riobamba
whose principle
investor is
the municipality.
The manufacturing
of non-metallic
minerals is
the main activity
that takes
place. This
area has the
highest employment
figures in
the region,
the majority
being employed
in the manufacturing
sector. The
Chimborazo
Cement factory
and the ceramic
industry ‘Compania
Ecuatoriana
de Ceramica’
are extremely
important
in the area.
There are
also factories
manufacturing
foodstuffs,
paper, metals
and a graphic
industry.
Agricultural
projects have
been developed
in the region,
especially
in the cultivation
of fruits
and vegetables.
Guano
Rugs
The canton
of Guano is
famous for
its manufacturing
of rugs which
have entered
into the foreign
market. Some
manufacturers
of Guano rugs
have more
foreign than
local customers,
thanks to
the introduction
of new techniques
which have
improved the
quality of
the rugs.
Rugs are carefully
hand-woven
in large vertical
looms.
Last
Updated 9th
August 2006
(DLW)
