ZIMBABWE joined the rest of the world in commemorating the International Day of Plant Health on Tuesday, highlighting its critical role in mitigating climate change and driving export competitiveness.
This year’s theme, “Plant Biosecurity for Food Security”, emphasizes the critical link between protecting flora and ensuring a hunger-free future.
In a statement, Dr Dumisani Kutywayo, the Chief Director of the Department of Research and Specialist Services in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, said the National Plant Protection Organisation of Zimbabwe (NPPOZw) commemorates the day because plant health is the cornerstone of the country’s food security.“It also drives our export competitiveness, protects our unique environment and underpins safe trade. By protecting our plants from invasive pests and diseases, we sustain livelihoods and build resilience against the dual pressures of climate change and shifting global market demands,” he said.
“Biosecurity is our first line of defence. The NPPOZw remains dedicated to robust surveillance, phytosanitary certification and other compliance measures to protect agricultural systems.”
He said these efforts ensure that all Zimbabwean farmers, from commercial operations to smallholders, can access lucrative international markets with absolute confidence.
Dr Kutywayo added that the celebration honours the farmers, researchers, regulators and communities who serve as the frontline guardians of the country’s agricultural heritage.
“However, the responsibility does not rest on their shoulders alone. The NPPOZw calls upon universities, policymakers and the private sector to champion the innovations necessary to secure our food systems.“By investing in sustainable phytosanitary solutions and embracing One Health principles which integrate plant health with public, animal and environmental safety, Zimbabwe is securing a healthier, more prosperous future for all,” he added.
“Together, let us safeguard Zimbabwean and global agriculture, protect our environment, and ensure food security for generations to come. Protecting plants means protecting our food security.”
Local farmer Mr Mhlupheki Dube said plant biosecurity is critical because it ensures that what farmers produce is safe for consumption.
“Food security does not only speak to the availability and access to food, but it also speaks to the safety of that food in terms of its health to the consumers.
“There is a strong movement towards the organic production of food in terms of minimising inorganic inputs like fertilisers, as well as insecticides, pesticides and perhaps even herbicides,” he said.
He noted that most chemicals used during cropping tend to have residual effects on consumers because chemical elements remain in the produce.
Mr Dube said consuming such food is unsafe and harmful to human health.
“We talk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) these days, which also comes from the reckless use of chemicals, mostly from a livestock perspective. The reckless or excessive use of antibiotics and improper application tend to have residual effects on what consumers ingest,” he added.
“While that is from an animal perspective, the same principle applies to plants. Therefore, we as farmers and consumers value, appreciate and commend organic and safe production of plant material.”
He said many people suffer from unknown diseases that could be attributed to the negative impact of what they consume.
Mr Dube said some cancers seem to have gained prominence in recent years, tempting people to draw a nexus between bio-safety in food production and consumer health.
“It is of paramount importance that as farmers, we champion, push, appreciate and advocate for safe and bio-secure production of plant material because that is what goes onto our tables and into our diets,” he said.
Global GAP certified trainer Mr Leo Maposa added that effective plant biosecurity systems are essential.
“These are important for minimizing crop losses caused by plant pathogens, pests and other invasive species like weeds, while sustaining agricultural productivity, food security and resilient farming systems.
“From a crop production and export competitiveness perspective, strengthening phytosanitary surveillance, integrated pest management (IPM), traceability systems, residue management, and on-farm and off-farm biosecurity are essential,” he said.
“These minimise production losses and maintain conformity with international sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) requirements, which are basics within the export market for Zimbabwean growers.”
He said protecting Zimbabwe’s agro-ecological systems from invasive pests, transboundary diseases and contamination risks is critical for sustaining productivity and environmental integrity.
Mr Maposa concluded that these systems are key to safeguarding market access and positioning Zimbabwean export farmers within high-value global agricultural value chains.
“These are the technical aspects farmers must adhere to as they sustain access and competitiveness within the different external markets in and out of Africa for both fruits and vegetables.”-herald
