AGRICULTURE
Agriculture
is the regions
main economic
activity,
engaging some
40 per cent
of the population.
Around 50
per cent of
the land is
given over
to farming
and cultivation.
Due to the
varying terrains,
there is a
diverse range
of agricultural
products and
an abundance
of fruits,
vegetables
and grains.
Fruits
Tungurahua
is essentially
a province
of flowers
and fruits.
In 1985 Tungurahua
provided the
Ecuadorian
market with
over 55 per
cent of fruitsm
such as tree
tomatos, babacos,
peaches and
apples.
Vegetables
Vegetables
and pulses
such as beans
and potatoes,
onions and
cauliflower
are cultivated
in the province.
CATTLE
FARMING
The
province occupies
third place
as the country's
most important
cattle breeding
area.
In 1986 there
were around
115,300 cattle.
The sector
is rapidly
advancing
in this area.
Forest
Resources
Forests
cover just
under 1 per
cent of the
territory,
as the resources
have been
subjected
to constant
exploitation.
Pine and eucalyptus
trees can
be found in
the area.
INDUSTRY
Manufacturing
There
are between
50 and 100
industrial
plants in
the area,
relatively
important
in the manufacturing
context.
Around 3000
workers are
enployed in
manufacturing.
The most important
branches of
the industry
are: textiles,
leather, foodstuffs
and beverages
and chemical
products.
Tungurahua
has an industrial
part situated
some 8km from
the Panamerican
highway towards
the north.
The park extends
84 hectares
and constitutes
251 lots.
The industrial
park has sufficient
electricity
and water
supplies.
Future plans
include the
extension
of cultivation
of fruits
and vegetables.
Small
Businesses
and Artisan
Crafts
Small
businesses
and the artisan
industry have
shown signs
of growth
in recent
years.
Clothing manufacturing
has increased
in Ambato,
Pasa e Izamba.
The leather
industry in
Ambato is
also taking
off.
Ambato is
also famous
for its bread,
which is tasty
and of exceptional
quality.
It is estimated
that some
12,000 families
from Ambato
work in the
clothing and
footwear industry.
Commerce
Commerce
is going through
a perriod
of intense
development
in the province,
especially
in Ambato.
As Ecuador's
most central
province,
Tungurahua
is favourably
located, exporting
to provinces
to its north
and south.
Last Updated
18th August
2006 (DLW)
