TOP STORY: Fruit farmers to benefit from Inyange expansion

Production will increase from 2,976 litres to 360,000 litres per day on average, across all products The expansion of ‘Inyange’ industry is to widen local farmers’ market for their produce. Inyange has announced an expansion project worth $27 million (Rwf14.9 billion) that will see production increase from 2,976 litres to 360,000 litres per day on average, across all products. This means 15,000 litres of juice and liquid products will be produced per hour. According to Nils Zirimwabagabo, the company’s Project Coordinator, this will require steady supply of raw materials to maintain the production levels. “To guarantee a steady supply, Inyange is planning to offer farmers supply contracts, especially those (farmers) growing ‘maracuja’ passion fruits,” he explained. Zirimwagabo added that, “This is because the proposed production of maracuja, which is widely demanded and other long-life juices requires a steady supply of fruits.” Zirimwabagabo said that the company is currently trying to contact farmers in Nyamagabe and Rusizi about the programme to ensure supply before production commences. Maracuja and long-life juices will be the new products added to the company’s production profile. Currently, Inyange industry produces orange, mango, and apple juices, milk and mineral water. Peter Muvara, the Rwanda Horticulture Development Authority (RHODA) Chairman, said that the move would add value to horticultural product, thus improving exports. “It would also boost farmers since there is a ready market for their products, which undermines subsistence farming,” he added. RHODA was recently merged with other institutions to form the Rwanda Agricultural Board (RAB). This comes at a time when government is urging investors to venture into fruits processing for export. Milk too will be processed into Ultra-High-Temperature (UHT). This concedes with government’s call to dairy industry to invest in UHT milk production. The new plant is expected to start operating by mid next year after being tested from April or May. The current factory located at Gikondo industrial area is expected to relocate to the new location on the 4.3 hectares of land in Masaka, 19 km from Kigali City. Necessary infrastructure that includes packaging machines and processors is being installed. Currently, Inyange Industries are competing with Sulfo industry and Agashya juices from Urwibutso Enterprise. Ends

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TOP STORY: Fruit farmers to benefit from Inyange expansion