Plizio Visual Lab

Aweil Rice Mill

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Industrial site
—°
Aweil Rice Mill (South Sudan)

Weather…

The Aweil Rice Mill, located in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, is the industrial heart of the Aweil Rice Scheme, one of South Sudan's most ambitious agricultural initiatives. Originally established in the 1940s and significantly expanded in the 1970s, the scheme leverages the fertile floodplains of the Löl River for large-scale rice production. The mill is responsible for processing the harvests from thousands of smallholder farmers as well as state-run fields. Aweil rice is known for its high quality and has the potential to meet the national demand, reducing South Sudan's reliance on expensive rice imports from Asia. Although the facility was heavily damaged during the civil war and faced years of stagnation, recent international aid has helped partially rehabilitate and restart operations. The rice mill serves as a symbol of hope for modernized, mechanized agriculture in the country. Expanding its processing capacity and improving irrigation infrastructure are essential for the long-term sustainability of the project. A fully operational mill in Aweil would bolster food security across the entire Bahr el Ghazal region and provide a reliable income for local communities.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262830312926252424252525
Rain mm03123612215218723718210070

📋 Practical info

🏭
What is this place?
The Aweil Rice Mill is an industrial processing plant that processes rice produced in the nearby Aweil Rice Scheme. It plays a key role in the value chain by hulling, polishing, and packaging raw rice for local and regional distribution.
🚪
Visiting
The mill is an active industrial plant with no regular tour opportunities, but the exterior of the facility with silos and conveyor belts is visible from the access road. For safety reasons, entering the premises is not permitted.
👀
Where to view it
From the field path opposite the mill, there is a good view of the entire facility and the truck ramps where rice is delivered. The nearby marketplace of Aweil also features an indirect view of the mill, combined with the bustle of traders.
🧺
Local products
The mill's main product is packaged polished rice sold in the region. On local markets, this rice as well as broken rice from the milling process, used for animal feed, can be purchased.
📆
Active season
The mill operates seasonally with peak activity during the harvest from October to December, when large quantities of rice arrive daily. In the remaining months, production runs at lower intensity depending on stock levels.
Nearby
Combine the mill visit with a trip to the rice fields of the Aweil Scheme to understand the entire production process. A detour to the town of Aweil with its markets and cultural center is also worthwhile.

Geography

Coordinates
8.77000, 24.88000

Facts

  • The Aweil Rice Scheme covers a total potential area of approximately 11,000 hectares.
  • The mill was originally equipped with technology provided by European development funds.
  • During the 1970s, Aweil was considered the largest rice-producing hub in East Africa.
  • The facility underwent a partial renovation in 2010 supported by the WFP and the government.
  • The scheme utilizes the flood waters of the Löl River through a system of dykes and canals.
  • Aweil rice is a preferred local variety due to its superior taste and nutritional value.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is processed in the rice mill of Aweil?
Local rice is processed and husked here for sale.
Is the mill touristy?
No, it is a purely industrial operation.
What is the climate in Aweil?
It is hot and tropical, with a distinct rainy season.
What is found in Aweil besides the mill?
A local marketplace where agricultural products are sold.
Are there jobs there?
Yes, the mill provides jobs for the local population.
Aweil Rice Mill: where is it located?
Aweil Rice Mill is located in South Sudan.
Aweil Rice Mill: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Aweil Rice Mill: why is it worth visiting?
The Aweil Rice Mill, located in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, is the industrial heart of the Aweil Rice Scheme, one of South Sudan's most ambitious agricultural initiatives.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Africa
More places in South Sudan →

Nearby cities

History & landmarks

More places