{Nyamasheke tea farmers have expressed delight over the construction of a tea processing factory in the area which is expected to help them address the challenge of transporting tea leaves to the nearest Gisovu Tea Plant in Karongi district, taking them almost seven hours to reach the plant. }
Over 3000 farmers Kanjongo, Macuba and Karambi sectors under COTHEGA (Cooperative du the de Gatare) are the imminent beneficiaries of the plant expected to launch this year.
“We have been taking our tea to the distant Gisovu plant with most tea leaves getting damaged along the way and rejected on arrival. The construction of the new plant in our region will save us such losses as tea leaves will be processed from near the farms,” said Nzeyimana Joseph.
Another farmer, Katishitiki Jean Damascene said; “It takes seven hours from here to Gisovu tea plant. The completion of plant in Nyamasheke will save our harvest from damage.”
Construction activities of the tea plant started in June 2016 and expected to be completed in 2017 at a cost of USD 12.3 million. It is being constructed by Rwanda Mountain Tea in collaboration with farmers’ cooperative.
It will have the capacity of processing 360 tons of tea per annum harvested form 2600 hectares.
Tea farming currently takes place at only 1600 hectares, requiring another 900 more hectares including 600 hectares to extend tea growing and 300 for planting trees for fuel-wood. .
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