KIGALI, Rwanda
Rwanda’s developing tea industry launched the national Tea Association of Rwanda last week. The Rwanda Tea Authority, a government department within the Ministry of Agriculture, brought together the nation’s growers, blenders, packers, tea co-ops, factory and industrial captains. The group named Ephraim Turahirwa chairman. Turahirwa is director general of Rwanda Mountain Tea.
"We have been dealing with issues individually, but since we now have an association, our efforts to confront challenges will be combined," Turahirwa told reporters at All Africa.com.
The six-member committee elected to oversee the association promised to speak with one voice in promoting the nation’s tea industry. The Authority (OCIR-THE), founded in 2006, is tasked with supplying high quality teas for both local and international markets. Responsibilities include certification, import and export policy recommendations and development. The department is led by Anthony Butera.
"This is a mechanism to empower you (stakeholders) so as deal with challenges especially in the light of the privatization drive in the sector," he said.
Rwanda currently cultivates 19,000 hectares of tea, up from 12,000 hectares in 2003. Production has increased to 22,000 metric tonnes from 17,000 metric tonnes valued at $58 million last year. The sum has more than doubled from $23 million earned seven years ago, according to Butera.
Source: All Africa