SON advocates promotion of safety standards in processing agricultural produce

THE Standards Organization of Nigeria SON, has called on Agricultural processing stakeholders to get involved in standards elaboration by ensuring that measuring equipment are calibrated to ensure accuracy.

An official of the organization Lady Anne Osakwe made the call over the weekend during a one day advocacy and awareness campaign on safety, health and sustainable environment at processing centres across the five participating IFAD-VCDP Local Government Areas of Anambra state.

The campaign organized by the State Co-ordination office of IFAD-VCDP for its farmers in Awka, attracted rice and cassava processors from the benefiting Local Government Areas.

Xenophobia: 2 Nigerians stabbed to death in South Africa

Addressing the participants, Lady Anne, noted that Agricultural produce needs to meet food safety standards, consumer confidence andpatronage.

While urging them to test their produce in accredited laboratory and obtained certificate of analysis, Lady Anne, asked them to avail themselves of standards relevant to their produce.

The Assistant Director Consumer Education, Federal Competitiveness and Consumer Protection Commission South East Zone, Awka, Mr Anthony Nwafor who frowned at the recent increase of substandard and adulterated products in the society, said due to the high demand and nutritional value of Anambra rice, rice dealers have started re-packaging their rice in Anambra bag.

While warning those involved to desist forthwith as the Commission will confiscate such goods on apprehension, Mr Nwafor urged farmers to always monitor their produce to ensure that it remains same until final consumption.

The procurement officer, IFAD-VCDP, Mrs Chika Obiemeka-Agwaramgbo while urging the famers to take proper care of their environment during processing, assured them of adequate provision of personal protective equipment to avoid contaminating their products.

The Agro processing and quality enhancement officer, IFAD-VCDP and convener of the programmer, Mr Bonaventure Muochebe said the campaign was aimed at educating farmers on the ethics and principles required in processing for global standards.

Some of the participants including Mrs Ann Anierobi a rice processor for Omor in Ayamelum Local Government Area Mr Chukwualuka Onwuzuligbo a cassava processor from Mgbakwu in Awka North Local Government Area and Mr Godwin Edojah, a rice farmer from Inoma in Anambra West Local Government Area while identifying lack of fund as their major problem, urged the IFAD-VCDP to step down the training to community level.