Tea production up

National green leaf tea production for the period ending October increased by 10 percent on account of the increased capacity and quality of farmers, according to Ocir-Thé. Figures from the national tea authority indicate that green leaf production grew from 69,080,468 kgs or 69080.4 tonnes from January to October 2009 to 76,081,130kgs or 76081.1 tonnes in the same period this year. “Farmers undergo seminars regularly to increase their knowhow. Also fertilisers are used accordingly, which has increased the quality and quantity of our tea,” Anthony Butera, the Director General of Ocir-Thé said yesterday, underscoring that the efforts are in line with the government’s strategy to increase capacity and quality of growers. In the period under review, exports rose to $46.8 million (Rwf27.7 billion) compared to $38.9 million (Rwf23.1 billion). By monthly comparison, green leaf production grew from 6,616,654kgs or 6616 tonnes in October last year to 6,618,017kgs or 6618 tonnes in the same month this year. Statistics from the Gikondo based parastatal also indicate that the output of made teas stood at 17,996,550Kgs or 17996 tonnes. “Currently also the firm gate-way price stand at Rwf96 from the usual Rwf76-86, which motivated farmers leading to the increase in production capacity,” Butera said. Rwanda produces most aromatic black teas in the world, its average price being higher than any other teas in the EAC region. Ends

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Tea production up