RUTSIRO- Tea farmers in Rutsiro district have undertaken to increase production to capitalise on a tea factory to be built in the area.

The farmers said that once the factory is operational, there will be increased demand for raw materials.

"When the factory finally opens, I am optimistic that my tea production will expand, enabling me to earn a decent living for my family,” said Emmanuel Munyentwari, a farmer who owns five hectares of a tea plantation.

He encouraged other farmers to work hard, saying the factory would boost economic development and offer employment.

During a meeting with the residents in the district early this week, the Western Province Governor, Celestin Kabahizi affirmed government’s full commitment to improving the agricultural sector.

"The goal is to improve the quality of our tea to ensure optimum returns. That is why we should increase tea farming,” Kabahizi urged.

In a related development, Emile Nsanzabaganwa, the Director of Karongi Tea Company, said there was impressive progress since its privatisation early this year.

"We have adopted effective marketing strategies to ensure continued growth and development of the industry’s stakeholders, especially the farmers,” Nsanzabaganwa said.

He explained that apart from high management skills and new technologies, there has also been a slight increase in job opportunities.

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