Major investor for ARDA Katiyo tea estate

Good times are set to return to the Eastern Highlands tea industry, following revelations that an investor to partner ARDA Katiyo will be announced in the next three weeks.

Eastern Highlands plantation, Tanganda Tea Company and ARDA Katiyo Estate dominate tea production in Manicaland.

With figures showing that current production can be boosted to reach 25000 tonnes from the current 16 000 tonnes, there is certainly something to smile about as an investor is set to be announced, according to ARDA Board Chairperson, Mr Basil Nyabadza.

ARDA Katiyo Estate Manager, Mr Stephen Zulu noted that what is left is to educate farmers that surround the tea estates on the dangers of veld fires, whose effects on the crop are monumental.

Optimism abound that once an investor comes on board, ARDA Katiyo will increase its hectarage.

Globally, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania are the powerhouses in tea production and the recapacitation of Zimbabwe’s estates will ensure it regains its place in on the international market where it used to enjoy huge exports to countries such as the United Kingdom.