With modern mills, solar-powered boreholes and strong cooperative backing, Enugu rice is edging closer to national certification.
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has expressed satisfaction with rice processing centres set up under the International Fund for Agricultural Development–Value Chain Development Programme (IFAD-VCDP) in Enugu State — paving the way for possible certification.
During inspections of facilities in Mbulu Owo (Nkanu East) and Uhueze Nenwe (Aninri), SON’s Enugu Coordinator, Mr. Peter Ameh, described the infrastructure and efforts of the women farmers as “impressive and commendable.”
He said the next step is guiding the cooperatives through Nigeria’s industrial standards for rice production, with the goal of securing certification under the Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP).
“When you see the MANCAP mark, it assures consumers that the product meets required quality standards,” Ameh noted, adding that certification will depend on how quickly the cooperatives meet documentation and process requirements.
IFAD-VCDP State Programme Coordinator, Dr. Edward Isiwu, said the initiative reflects a broader push to transform farming in Enugu from subsistence to agribusiness.
According to him, the programme — backed by Gov. Peter Mbah — built a modern aggregation centre and a state-of-the-art rice mill to reduce post-harvest losses. The facilities were funded through a 70–30 matching grant arrangement, with IFAD and the state covering 70 per cent of equipment costs, while cooperatives contributed 30 per cent. Buildings and key infrastructure were provided free.
Beyond milling equipment, the centres also feature solar-powered boreholes and even a creche to support nursing mothers.
“Our goal is SON-certified Enugu rice that can compete nationally,” Isiwu said.
Women farmers welcomed the move, saying certification will boost market access and brand visibility. “We want our rice to go beyond Enugu,” said Mrs. Nnenna Ejim of the Chidiebube Rice Cooperative.
With SON now involved, “Enugu-grown rice” may soon carry a national quality stamp.
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