Ruhango based cassava flour processing plant, Kinazi, is set to increase the quantity of produce bought from local farmers from 5500 tonnes to 28000 tonnes this year. This comes after the company managed to secure U.S Food and Drug Administration Certificate, which amounts to the green light to supply in the U.S market. With the certification, the company is expected to export between 500 tonnes and 1000 tonnes to the American market. The increasing demand of cassava flour is partly due to the recent developments in the food industry that include mixing the wheat flour with cassava flour at a ratio of 8:2. According to nutrition reports, nutritionists have advised on less consumption of wheat as it contains a protein called gluten that could lead to poor absorption of important nutrients from other foods. This presents an unprecedented opportunity for the local company which has been receiving huge online orders from developed countries as well as African nations with Morocco showing the highest demand. Meanwhile, Kinazi has said that they will reduce the price from Rwf750 to Rwf400 per kilogramme by February 1, this year. Emile Nsanzabaganwa, the Chief Executive Officer, said that the increased input demands is manageable through steady supply from local suppliers brought about by the government’s policy of availing free seeds to farmers. This has in turn seen an increase in output as it significantly brings down the cost of production. “Three or four years ago, the company had to import cassava from neighbouring countries requiring logistics arrangement of over 1200 km to the processing unit. This would drive up the operational costs. However, that has since changed as farmers are now receiving inputs from the Government,” he said. With this steady supply the company is expecting to increase its production capacity to 30 tonnes per day to satisfy the local market and the ever-growing international demand putting the annual output at about 10,950 tonnes. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
