Latest news with #InternationalPlantProtectionConvention
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Demise of an ‘indispensable' department
For decades, the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) was one of Pakistan's most quietly effective institutions. It didn't make headlines, but it made food security possible by fighting desert locust and crop / orchard pests. From overseeing pesticide regulation to conducting aerial locust spraying, this department formed the frontline of Pakistan's battle against pest outbreaks including desert locust that could cripple agriculture and destabilize rural economies. That is, until May 2, 2025, when a presidential ordinance dissolved the DPP and replaced it with a new body—NAFSA, the National Agri-trade and Food Safety Authority. The move, packaged as a leap toward modernization and international compliance, has instead raised serious questions about Pakistan's preparedness to deal with agricultural emergencies. The dissolution of DPP marks the end of a chapter that began before Pakistan even founded. The department's origins stretch back to colonial India, and after independence, it became a formal arm of the federal government. As Pakistan's designated National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO), the DPP operated under international treaties and frameworks like the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC – 1951 revised 1997) and FAO's regional pest control systems including DLCC – desert locust control committee established in 1955 and FAO Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in South-West Asia (SWAC) is the oldest of the three regional commissions within the global locust early warning and prevention system, which was established in 1964. At the helm in the early days was Dr. Taskhir Ahmed, a British-trained entomologist whose innovations—especially in aerial spraying and pesticide formulation—earned international recognition and laid the groundwork for a modern plant protection regime. Under his guidance, Pakistan developed a pioneering aerial wing including many critical research portfolios / schemes which were later on transferred to what would become the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council. Yet despite this proud legacy, the DPP began its slow decline decades ago. Since 1998, it has not had a permanent, qualified Plant Protection Adviser and Director General, originally the position was PPA&D having its own qualification, experience, and fitness. Political appointments and bureaucratic interference replaced technical leadership caused in appointments from PAS, Pakistan Post and Pakistan Custom cadres too. Resultantly, infrastructure decayed, and staff numbers dwindled, key functions like locust surveillance and aerial operations became neglected. By the time the locust crisis of 2019–2020 hit, the department was already struggling. No benefit was accrued, even by a big grant offered by the World Bank of USD 200 million. Although post-crisis reforms were promised; these were never materialized. Instead, the final blow came this year with the creation of NAFSA—a body that, though well-intentioned, has started off 'dangerously incomplete'. NAFSA was created to align Pakistan with modern plant and animal quarantine under Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement viz-a-viz food safety standards, including those set by the WTO and Codex Alimentarius. It replaced outdated legislation from the 1930s and 1970s, and included functions like animal and plant quarantine and pesticides registration too. But two of DPP's most vital operational pillars—desert locust control and aerial pest management—were not absorbed into NAFSA's framework. This is not a technical omission; it is an existential gap. Without a mandate or structure to monitor and respond to pest outbreaks, particularly desert locust, Pakistan has essentially disarmed itself in the face of an environmental as well as recurring threat that knows no borders. The risks are significant. With no operational aerial wing and no active locust division, the country is exposed to future invasions it will be institutionally unequipped to handle. Expertise is being lost as specialists retire or are sidelined. The country risks falling out of compliance with FAO and regional cooperations, jeopardizing its relationships with regional partners like India, Iran, and Oman—a cooperation that is essential for effective cross-border pests / desert locust surveillance. More immediately, any future outbreak of trans-boundary pest could spiral into a national emergency, simply because no federal body will be legally or logistically ready to respond. All of this, ironically, is unfolding in the name of modernization. But modernization without continuity is not progress—it is reinvention without memory. The institutional knowledge built over generations through DPP's field operatives, scientists, and aerial teams being our assets cannot simply be replaced by legislation or an administrative reshuffle. What is needed now is not just a new name, but a coherent structure that blends regulatory reform with operational capacity. The way forward must include the immediate establishment of a Plant Protection Operations Wing under the Ministry of National Food Security & Research. This unit should house the locust control and aerial functions, staffed with trained entomologists, pilots, GIS experts, and pest surveillance officers. Legal support if needed is also critical: a Federal Plant Protection Emergency Act would enable rapid mobilization and coordination across provinces and borders. Pakistan must also reaffirm its commitments to international bodies like FAO and reestablish formal cooperation with neighbouring countries on desert pest control. And in keeping with modernization goals, the aerial wing should be digitized—pivoting toward aircraft / drone-based surveillance and spraying technologies. A dedicated Desert Locust Research and Operations Centre in Balochistan or southern Punjab could serve as the nerve centre for all of these activities, combining real-time data with legacy field intelligence. It is not too late to act. But time is short, and the pests like desert locust won't wait. Pakistan's agricultural resilience now hinges not on its willingness to modernize—but on its ability to do so without forgetting what once made its plant protection system work. Reform must be built upon the legacy, not by erasing it. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
The South African
25-04-2025
- Business
- The South African
Trade war erupts between SA and Tanzania over…bananas
From midnight on Wednesday, Tanzania authorities imposed an immediate ban on South African apples and other agricultural imports. The move comes after years of frustration over South Africa's alleged refusal to allow Tanzanian bananas into its market. Malawian imports have also been blocked by Tanzania, after it was reported that Malawi blocked Tanzanian flour, rice, ginger, bananas and maize in March. Tanzanian Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe made the announcement in a televised speech, saying South Africa and Malawi had failed to lift what he called 'unfair trade restrictions' on Tanzanian produce. He claimed diplomatic talks had dragged on for five years without results and likened the situation to a similar struggle to gain access for Tanzanian avocados. He claimed the avocado dispute was finally resolved only when Tanzania began to impose reciprocal restrictions. 'We cannot continue to tolerate this unfair treatment,' Bashe said. 'While negotiations are ongoing, we must act in defence of our economic interests.' He has given South Africa and Malawi one week to lift the unspecified trade restrictions. Bashe also posted a video on Twitter (X) showing a pile of rotten bananas in a truck stranded at the border with Malawi, stating it was difficult for Tanzania to tolerate the 'trend'. Bashe added that Tanzanians would not suffer from the absence of South African products such as grapes or apples. Tanzania imports between 30 000 and 40 000 (12.5kg) cartons of apples from South Africa every year. The ban also includes restrictions on humanitarian maize exports to Malawi and fertiliser collections scheduled for the upcoming Malawian planting season. South African agricultural experts and trade groups meanwhile have been caught off guard. According to the Fresh Produce Import Association of South Africa (FPIA), Tanzanian bananas are not currently approved for import because the proper phytosanitary processes, including a pest risk analysis, had not been completed. 'The process is clear, and would involve a pest risk analysis according to International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) standards,' said FPIA general manager, Marianna Theyse. She noted that while neither country has banana Fusarium Wilt TR4—a serious plant disease—its presence in northern Mozambique poses a significant threat. South African banana farmers have declared an oversupply in the local market, with imports coming from Mozambique, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and soon Namibia. The Banana Growers Association of South Africa said they were unaware of any interest from Tanzania in entering the market, and expressed concern about the sudden trade tensions. Agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo noted that Tanzania makes up just 0.4% of South Africa's agricultural imports, with products like tea, tobacco, and coffee—not bananas—being the main exports. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Yahoo
Highly invasive wood-boring beetle intercepted at U.S. border
April 7 (UPI) -- A highly invasive wood-boring beetle was intercepted last month by U.S. border agents before it could destroy forests and ecosystems, Customs and Border Protection announced Monday. The live Asian long-horned beetle, which can cause significant damage to hardwood trees, was discovered during an inspection of wood cargo from Romania on March 17. CBP agriculture specialists at the Port Huron rail yard in Michigan found solid insect waste before discovering live beetle larvae. "Our nation's agriculture industry is constantly at risk from pests and disease not known to occur in the United States," said Area Port Director Jeffrey Wilson. "This interception by our highly skilled agriculture specialists showcase our continued commitment to safeguarding American agriculture and protecting public health." The beetle larvae were found inside wood pallets that were stamped with a marking to show that they had been heat-treated to prevent invasive species. The treatment is required by the Interim Commission on Phytosanitary Measures of the International Plant Protection Convention and is the international standard for the safe use of wooden pallets and crates. While the marking on the wood packaging material "appeared to be legitimate," agents believe the heat treatment process may not have been "executed properly." Untreated wood packaging material can risk non-native pests -- such as the Asian long-horned beetles -- to be introduced to new environments where they can kill forest and shade trees while causing "significant economic damage." "Every successful interception, like this one, prevents potential devastation to our hardwood trees and reinforces our commitment to keeping invasive pests from harming our environment and economy," said CBP Director of Field Operations Marty Raybon. "The Asian long-horned beetle is a destructive invasive species that threatens our forests and urban landscapes," Raybon added. "This discovery underscores the vital role our agriculture specialists play in protecting the nation's natural resources and economy."
Miami Herald
08-04-2025
- Miami Herald
Highly invasive wood-boring beetle intercepted at U.S. border
April 7 (UPI) -- A highly invasive wood-boring beetle was intercepted last month by U.S. border agents before it could destroy forests and ecosystems, Customs and Border Protection announced Monday. The live Asian long-horned beetle, which can cause significant damage to hardwood trees, was discovered during an inspection of wood cargo from Romania on March 17. CBP agriculture specialists at the Port Huron rail yard in Michigan found solid insect waste before discovering live beetle larvae. "Our nation's agriculture industry is constantly at risk from pests and disease not known to occur in the United States," said Area Port Director Jeffrey Wilson. "This interception by our highly skilled agriculture specialists showcase our continued commitment to safeguarding American agriculture and protecting public health." The beetle larvae were found inside wood pallets that were stamped with a marking to show that they had been heat-treated to prevent invasive species. The treatment is required by the Interim Commission on Phytosanitary Measures of the International Plant Protection Convention and is the international standard for the safe use of wooden pallets and crates. While the marking on the wood packaging material "appeared to be legitimate," agents believe the heat treatment process may not have been "executed properly." Untreated wood packaging material can risk non-native pests -- such as the Asian long-horned beetles -- to be introduced to new environments where they can kill forest and shade trees while causing "significant economic damage." "Every successful interception, like this one, prevents potential devastation to our hardwood trees and reinforces our commitment to keeping invasive pests from harming our environment and economy," said CBP Director of Field Operations Marty Raybon. "The Asian long-horned beetle is a destructive invasive species that threatens our forests and urban landscapes," Raybon added. "This discovery underscores the vital role our agriculture specialists play in protecting the nation's natural resources and economy." Copyright 2025 UPI News Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Zawya
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Eritrea Participates at Commission on Phytosanitary Measures Meeting
Eritrea took part in the 19th annual meeting of the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures, held in Rome from 17 to 21 March. Mr. Tekleab Misghina, Director General of Regulatory Service at the Ministry of Agriculture, and Mr. Asmerom Kidane, Eritrea's Deputy Permanent Representative at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, represented the country at the meeting. The Commission on Phytosanitary Measures is the governing body of the International Plant Protection Convention, established by member countries to oversee the progress of its subsidiary bodies toward the Convention's objectives. The International Plant Protection Convention operates under the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. According to the Public Relations Office of the Ministry of Agriculture, Eritrea is preparing to become a member of the African Plant Protection Convention. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
