SON Moves to Certify Rice from IFAD-VCDP Farmers in Enugu

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has begun steps to certify rice produced by farmers under the International Fund for Agricultural Development-Value Chain Development Programme (IFAD-VCDP) in Enugu State.

SON officials, led by Enugu Coordinator Mr. Peter Ameh, inspected rice processing centres in Mbulu Owo, Nkanu East, and Uhueze Nenwe, Aninri, to assess compliance with national standards.

Ameh described the facilities and the efforts of women farmers as “impressive and commendable,” noting that the next step is to guide cooperative members through the standardisation process.

He added that SON would organise capacity-building sessions to ensure understanding of the Nigerian Industrial Standards for rice production and processing.

“The ultimate goal is to certify the products under the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) to assure consumers of quality,” Ameh said. “We cannot give a specific timeline for certification yet, as we want the foundation properly laid. It will progress as fast as the cooperatives meet the requirements.”

He urged cooperative members to comply strictly with standard procedures, documentation, and necessary registrations to facilitate certification, stressing that certified rice would be competitive nationwide.

Dr. Edward Isiwu, IFAD-VCDP State Programme Coordinator, said the initiative aligns with efforts to transform farming in Enugu from subsistence to agribusiness.

He highlighted the construction of a modern aggregation centre, a state-of-the-art rice processing mill for women cooperatives, and other support facilities, including solar-powered water supply and a creche.

“The state government is determined to ensure that rice grown in Enugu is processed and branded locally,” Isiwu said. “Inviting SON to inspect the facilities is a key step toward certifying ‘Enugu-grown rice’ for wider markets.”

Welcoming SON officials, HRH Okeke Arum, Traditional Ruler of Mbulu Owo, pledged continued support for women farmers, while Mrs. Nnenna Ejim of Chidiebube Rice Cooperative, Nenwe, called for official certification to expand the reach of Enugu rice beyond the state.