Tea production lowers as exports rise

The first half of this year recorded a decrease in tea production while exports have increased by Frw4 million. A total of 10.9 million kilogrammes of tea were produced compared to 11.6 million kilogrammes produced in the first half of last year. Meanwhile export receipts rose to $25.5 million (Frw13.8 billion) compared to $18 million (Frw9.7 billion) last year. Rwanda Tea Authority (Ocir-The) attributed growth in export revenue to an increase in direct sales as opposed to auction sales in Mombasa and to the decrease in tea production in Kenya since the beginning of this year. However, Ocir-The said Rwanda is inconsistent in providing the quality and quantity desired by buyers. With assistance from a consultancy firm, On The Frontier Group (OTF), Ocir-The is improving the marketing and promotion of its teas. Sethi Sanjay, a tea expert from Dubai, has been hired to help the country’s tea industry by developing blended and packaged Rwanda single-origin teas to sell on the Middle Eastern, European and the United States markets. He will also provide training to tea blenders and cuppers, distributors and marketers. Tea is the third largest export earner for Rwanda after mining and tourism. It is targeted to fetch $90 million (Frw48.7 billion) by 2012. Weighbridges installed at all border points Government begun enforcing axle load regulations by installing weighbridges at Rwandan entry points. The weighbridges with a 10 tonne axle load limit are to prevent road damage. There have been reports that heavy cargo meant to be transported by railway lines finds its way onto roads. Linda Bihire, Minister of Infrastructure, said that computerised weighbridges were installed last week at Gatuna, Rusumo, while another will be fixed at the Goma/Gisenyi border. Jean Kanyamuhanda, the transport coordinator in the Ministry of Infrastructure, said that the 10 tonnes axle load limit is in line with the EAC load limit. The move comes when regional blocs in Eastern and Southern Africa are pushing governments to implement a harmonised vehicle overload control system. Drivers have lamented that if axel load limits are enforced, transport costs will go up since fewer goods will be carried for the same amount of fuel. Rarda closes milk selling centres Rwanda Animal Resources Development Authority (Rarda) closed 10 milk selling centres in Kigali because of to poor hygienic conditions. 10 milk selling points in Remera, Giporoso and Kabeza, were closed. Many lacked tiles on the wall and the floor, running water and toilet facilities. Dr. Théogène Rutagwenda, the Director General of Rarda, said circulars detailing the minimum hygiene standards for their business premises were issued in 2006. He added that they re-opening is on condition that they have met the requirements after inspection by Rarda. Rarda is a government agency responsible for the quality of animal products in the country cross. Innocent Kamali, a dairy farm attendant in Mutara, welcomed the move saying that consumers have to be protected. Rwandan food shop opens in London Seven Sisters, a new food store in North London, UK, is to sell Rwandan products. A statement from Rwanda Diaspora Investment (RDI) in the UK said that the first shipment of food is expected to arrive in the UK this month. The products to be sold include cassava, millet and sorghum flours, dry cassava leaves (Isombe) and bottled pepper (Akabanga). Seven Sisters is the first Rwandan shop in London; RDI plans to open more shops. Coffee stakeholders trained on quality Coffee stakeholders have been trained on quality improvement through the Know Your Cup programme ahead of the Cup of Excellence competition scheduled for August 18-22. The training for coffee producers, exporters and roasters was conducted by East African Fine Coffee Association (EAFCA) and the Common Code for the Coffee Community Association (4C). According to Rachel Kamande, project development facilitator at EAFCA, the training will help farmers improve the quality of coffee. She explained that irrigation and fertilizer application is key if the coffee is to fetch high prices. The Know Your Cup concept has been successful in other East African Countries such as Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Ends