Online Reporter
Theseus Mauruki Shambare
Herald Correspondent
ZIMBABWE is today commemorating the International Day of Plant Health with renewed calls for stronger plant biosecurity systems to protect the country’s food security, agricultural exports and environment from the growing threat of pests and diseases.
The commemorations, being led by the National Plant Protection Organisation of Zimbabwe (NPPOZw), are running under the theme, “Plant Biosecurity for Food Security”, which underscores the importance of safeguarding crops and ecosystems from invasive pests and diseases.
Chief director in the Department of Research and Specialist Services, Dr Dumisani Kutywayo, said plant health remained critical to Zimbabwe’s agricultural productivity, export competitiveness and environmental sustainability.
“Plant health is the cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s food security. It also drives our export competitiveness, protects our unique environment and underpins safe trade,” he said.
Dr Kutywayo said protecting plants from pests and diseases was essential in sustaining livelihoods while strengthening resilience against climate change and changing global market demands.
He said the NPPOZw was continuing to strengthen surveillance systems, phytosanitary certification and compliance measures to safeguard Zimbabwe’s agricultural systems and maintain access to international markets for local farmers.
“These efforts ensure that all Zimbabwean farmers, from commercial operations to smallholder farmers, can access lucrative international markets with absolute confidence,” he said.
Dr Kutywayo also urged universities, policymakers and the private sector to invest in sustainable phytosanitary innovations and adopt One Health principles that integrate plant, animal, human and environmental health systems.
The NPPOZw, which operates under the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, is mandated to prevent the introduction and spread of plant pests and diseases while promoting safe trade in agricultural products.
