Bulawayo, (New Ziana) – Plant biosecurity systems are critical in safeguarding national food security, export markets and environmental sustainability, an expert has said.
This was said by the chief director in the Department of Research and Specialist Services in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Dr Dumisani Kutywayo, during commemorations marking the International Day of Plant Health on Tuesday.
This year’s commemorations were held under the theme, “Plant Biosecurity for Food Security”.
“Protecting plant health was no longer just an agricultural issue, but a national economic and environmental priority. Plant health is the foundation of Zimbabwe’s food systems, rural livelihoods and agricultural trade.
“Without healthy crops, there can be no sustainable food security, no competitive exports and no resilient economy,” Kutywayo said.
He said the country was intensifying efforts to strengthen surveillance systems, phytosanitary controls and early warning mechanisms to protect crops from invasive pests and diseases that threaten production.
“Biosecurity is our first line of defence against transboundary plant pests and diseases. As climate change continues to alter pest migration patterns and global trade expands, countries must remain vigilant and invest in modern phytosanitary systems,” Kutyayo said.
He said the National Plant Protection Organisation of Zimbabwe (NPPOZw) was committed to ensuring that both commercial and smallholder farmers meet international plant health standards, enabling them to access global markets with confidence.
“Our farmers deserve access to lucrative export markets, but this can only happen if we maintain strict compliance with international phytosanitary requirements.
“Protecting plant health therefore translates directly into protecting incomes, jobs and national economic growth,” he said.
Kutywayo highlighted that the country’s agricultural sector could only achieve long-term resilience through collective action involving government institutions, universities, researchers, private sector players and farming communities.
“The fight against plant pests and diseases cannot be left to regulators alone. It requires innovation, research, community awareness and strong partnerships across all sectors of society,” he said.
He also underscored the importance of embracing the One Health approach, which links plant, animal, human and environmental health.
“When we protect plants, we are also protecting ecosystems, public health and future generations. Plant health is interconnected with environmental sustainability and national development,” he said.
The International Day of Plant Health was established by the United Nations to raise global awareness on the importance of protecting plants in ending hunger, reducing poverty, protecting biodiversity and boosting economic development.
Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector remains one of the key pillars of the economy, employing a significant proportion of the population while contributing to national food security and export earnings.
New Ziana
