Rwanda to supply milk to DRC, Burundi

Rubirizi Dairy is targeting to supply packed milk to Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a veterinary consultant has said.

Friday, October 19, 2007

Rubirizi Dairy is targeting to supply packed milk to Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a veterinary consultant has said.

Rubirizi’s plan to venture into the new markets come at a time packed milk manufacturers in the country complain that they are being edged out of business by the local milk sellers who retail the diary products cheaply.

"When you look at government programmes on agriculture, they are really good but government must try to stop unlicensed individuals from trading in milk,” Robert Ruzindana said.

He suggested that to level the playing ground, stakeholders in the dairy industry should aim at providing packed milk.

The consultant claimed that ‘unpacked milk is dangerous.

And, further alleged it can cause chronic diseases like tuberculosis and brucellosis’.

DRC is still a virgin market.

 "Right now there is conflict in the eastern DRC. During war production is normally brought to a standstill.

It can therefore be a good market for our products,” Ruzindana said.

Rubirizi dairy deals in fresh milk, yoghurt and fresh cream.

The company announced that it plans to start producing white cheese, milk shake, skim milk and butter.

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