Online Reporter
Theseus Mauruki Shambare
THE National Plant Protection Organisation of Zimbabwe (NPPOZw) will tomorrow (Tuesday) join the global community in commemorating the International Day of Plant Health, with calls for stronger plant biosecurity systems to safeguard food security and agricultural trade.
This year’s commemorations are being held under the theme, “Plant Biosecurity for Food Security”, which highlights the importance of protecting 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 central to Zimbabwe’s food security, 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 critical in sustaining livelihoods and building resilience against climate change and evolving global market demands.
He said the NPPOZw remained committed to strengthening surveillance systems, phytosanitary certification and compliance measures to protect Zimbabwe’s agricultural systems and ensure farmers continue accessing international markets.
“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 called on universities, policymakers and the private sector to invest in sustainable phytosanitary innovations and embrace One Health principles integrating plant, animal, human and environmental health systems.
The NPPOZw operates under the Ministry of Agriculture and is mandated to prevent the introduction and spread of plant pests while promoting safe trade in agricultural products.
