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SON lauds Enugu IFAD-VCDP cassava processing centres for hygiene, quality compliance

Naija News • Feb 20
SON lauds Enugu IFAD-VCDP cassava processing centres for hygiene, quality compliance
**Nigerian Farmers Get a Boost in Quality Cassava Production** In a bid to ensure that Nigerian farmers and processors meet international standards, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has commended the cassava processing centres in Enugu State, which have been certified under the International Fund for Agricultural Development - Value Chain Development Programme (IFAD-VCDP). This initiative aims to boost the country's agricultural sector by providing support to small-scale farmers and processors. The SON recently inspected two cassava processing centres in Enugu East and Udenu Local Government Areas, where the organisation's representatives commended the facilities for their good hygiene and manufacturing practices. However, they noted that the centres still have areas that require improvement, such as labelling. This is a welcome development for Nigerian consumers who are increasingly seeking quality and safe food products. The SON State Coordinator, Peter Ameh, acknowledged the efforts of IFAD-VCDP in promoting the cassava processing centres and encouraged farmers and agro-processors to work closely with the organisation to ensure their products meet the required standards. This call to action is timely, as many Nigerian consumers are becoming more discerning about the products they consume. To support farmers, the SON provides capacity-building training to help them align their products and production processes with global standards. This training is essential in ensuring that Nigerian farmers and processors can compete in the international market. The SON certification process involves a thorough assessment of production facilities, documentation, quality assurance, and quality control, as well as compliance with relevant standards. The IFAD-VCDP has partnered with SON for over three years to organise training sessions for farmers and has provided significant support to the processing centres, with beneficiaries contributing a small percentage through land provision. The success of this initiative is a testament to the potential of public-private partnerships in promoting agricultural development in Nigeria. In conclusion, the SON's commendation of the cassava processing centres in Enugu State is a significant milestone in Nigeria's agricultural sector. As the country continues to promote agricultural development, it is essential that farmers and processors meet international standards to ensure the quality and safety of their products. With the support of organisations like IFAD-VCDP and SON, Nigerian farmers can tap into global markets and contribute to the country's economic growth.
Source: Original Article. AI-enhanced version.