Assessment of Paddy Rice Quality Management Practices Among Millers in Ebonyi State, South East Nigeria

Rice quality management is a critical determinant of market competitiveness and consumer preference in Nigeria's rapidly growing domestic rice sector. In Ebonyi State, a historically important paddy rice production zone, the quality management practices of rice millers significantly influence the marketability and price realisation of processed rice. This study assessed paddy rice quality management practices among millers in Ebonyi State. A structured questionnaire was administered to 50 rice millers of varying capacities across three local government areas. Data captured on pre-milling grain sorting, moisture content testing, milling equipment condition, post-milling handling, and packaging standards. A quality management scoring index was constructed and regression analysis applied to determine its predictors. Results showed that fewer than 30 percent of millers consistently applied moisture content testing before milling, leading to high breakage rates of between 22 and 36 percent. Millers with higher quality management scores achieved price premiums of between 12 and 18 percent above standard market prices. Equipment maintenance practices and miller education level were the strongest predictors of quality management performance. The study recommends establishing quality management training programmes for rice millers in Ebonyi State and supporting investment in calibrated moisture testing equipment. The Ebonyi State Rice Millers Association should be strengthened to facilitate peer knowledge exchange on quality standards. Keywords: rice quality management, millers, Ebonyi State, post-harvest, milling.