AGRICULTURE
AND CATTLE FARMING
Pichincha
is an Interandean
province,
however, it
shares characteristics
with three
regions of
the country:
the sierra,
the Oriente
and the coast. This
explains the
diversity
in agricultural
production. The
valleys of
Machachi and
Cayambe are
mainly given
over to the
breeding of
bovine cattle,
and are therefore
important
milk production
centres. The
bovine population
here exceeds
half a million,
the second
highest in
the country
after Manabi.
The
province of
Pichincha
also has a
high production
rate of bananas
(2nd highest
in the country
after Canar),
coffee, barley,
corn, choclo
and potatoes. Pichincha
is the primary
producer of
wheat. The
production
of African
palm is concentrated
in the zone
of Santo Domingo
de Los Colorados
. The
valleys of
Guayllabamba
and Puellaro,
as well as
Pomasqui,
Puembo and
Tumbaco ,with
an excellent
Interandean
subtropical
climate and
average temperatures
of 20 degrees
centigrade,
are perfect
for the cultivation
of fruits
such as mandarins,
avocados and
granadillas.
Forest
Resources
Forests
providing
several types
of wood such
as balsa and
laurel, are
concentrated
in the western
parts of the
province between
Los Bancos,
Puerto Quito
and Sto. Domingo
de los Colorados.
Around two
thousand hectares
have been
exploited
in the area,
around 8.4
per cent of
the country's
total forest
exploitation
(Cendes).
INDUSTRY
Industrial
production
is concentrated
between the
provinces
of Pichincha
and Guayas.
Within the
province in
Pichincha
industrial
production
is concentrated
in Quito.
The most important
industries
are foodstuffs,
beverages,
wooden crafted
products,
chemical products,
phamaceuticals,
leather goods,
textiles and
basic metal
goods. machinary
and graphics.
The
Terrain
One
of the province's
characteristics
is the fertile
land, composed
of volcanic
materials
and rich in
minerals.
The canton
of Mejia is
famous for
its
water sources,
used to supply
bottled water
manufacturers,
Tesalia.
There are
also a number
of thermal
springs within
the province,
for example
the Termas
de Papallacta,
situated some
2 hours from
Quito, renowned
for its relaxing
hot springs,
with reputed
healing properties.
Last Updated
17th August
2006 (DLW)
