Constraints faced by rice processors in milling and branding of home grown rice in Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the constraints faced by rice processors in milling and branding of home grown rice produced in Enugu State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to examine the factors that influence the branding of home grown processed rice and examine the major constraints in processing home grown produced rice into high quality rice. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to survey 23 respondents across three communities in three local government areas and two agricultural zones selected. Factor analysis, mean and percentages were used to analyse the data collected. Findings showed that along the unit of home grown rice branding, packaging is the only form of branding carried out by processors. The factors that influenced the branding of home grown processed rice in the study area were grouped into four which include inability to appreciate new technology, non-availability of required technology, labour and cost of packaging materials. Also, the major constraints in the processing of home grown rice to improved quality brands are grouped into five factors which are inability to appreciate new knowledge, new technology, communication on storage facilities, labour and marketing information. Rice processors should be trained adequately on branding and improving the quality of home grown processed rice and provision of the required technology. This will improve the competitiveness of home grown rice relative to imported rice thereby increasing its demand.Keywords: Rice processing, branding, constraints, factor analysis, Enugu State