The volume of coffee produced in Rwanda may reach 37,000 tonnes by the year 2010, with at least 85 per cent of it quality.

Export statistics from Ocir Cafe, Rwanda coffee regulatory authority indicates that out of 15,461 tonnes exported as of November this year, 12,261 tonnes was semi-washed. Coffee washing means the process of removing the sticky residue and dirt from coffee beans.

In its initiative to increase quality coffee export, Ocir café is promoting the production of specialty coffee. The director general OCIR CAFÉ, Etienne Bihogo said with the programme in place, more washing station have been built.

Every year on average, 40 coffee washing stations are constructed. Last year, the country had 76 washing stations, which have increased to 124 this year.

Three laboratories to ensure coffee quality are being built and will be in use next year. They are planned at Gikondo, Kayonza in Eastern Province and Maraba in Southern Province.

"The laboratories will assist to ensure quality to compete on international markets. We are planning to run away from semi-washed or original coffee because of their low and unstable prices at New York market,” said the director general.

Bihogo said that 1kilogramme of semi-washed coffee costs about $2.05 (about Frw1117) per kilogramme in New York markets while that of fully washed coffee costs about $ 7 (about Frw3,815).

With the private sector commitment, the director still believes that in three years time, all the coffee in the country will be processed. He was however quick to  say that there is a need to strengthen and sensitise farmers ensure quality

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