The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) of Rwanda is set to increase tea plantations by 18,000 hectares by the end of 2017 as part of its strategy to double its tea production.
The initiative is part of the 'New tea plantations and factory construction approach (2012-2017)', a second phase program by National Agriculture Export Development Board (NAEB).
In the first phase between 2004-2012 around 20,665 hectares of land was planted with tea, according to NAEB data.
Rwanda Agriculture Minister Agnes Kalibata said: "We have had the plan to increase tea plantations in the country, but the process has been slow. We have developed mechanisms to ensure increase of tea farms by 18,000 ha within five years."
NAEB director general Alex Kanyankole was quoted by allafrica.com as saying: "The target is achievable if we work together as a team. We have mapped out the plan to increase tea production capacity."
Current tea projects in Rutsiro, Karongi, Gatare, Mushubi and Muganza-Kivu are expected to help increase the plantation capacity for existing operational factories, NAEB said.
Rwanda Southern Province Executive Secretary Paul Jabo, however, told the news website that road networks that are connected to tea estates will create a threat to the output.
"The construction of feeder roads that connect tea estates should be looked at when we commit ourselves to increase tea production in the country," Jabo added.
