The increase in Global trade has made the international movement of plants and plant products a common occurrence and so has the risk of pest introduction and spread.
Uganda has witnessed devastating effects of pests such Fall armyworm; 2016, False codling Moths; 2012. Mango Mealybug in 2021, Banana Bunchy Top Virus Disease in 2022 among others. Late detection of these pests and un-timely response has been costly: costing the country billions of dollars in control and loss foreign exchange revenue in reduced exports.
According to Stephen Byantwale, the Commissioner Crop Protection, Pest Risk Analysis plays a great role in timely detection and response to new pest introductions.
“A pest risk analysis (PRA) evaluates biological, scientific and economic evidence to determine whether an organism has impact on agriculture,” he said.
In addition, Byantwale noted that it also evaluates the likelihood of introduction, spread and potential economic and environmental consequences of a given pest in a certain area.
Martin Ameu, the Programs officer with FAO -Uganda appreciated the engagement with different stakeholders coming up with these PRAs since they are critical in protecting the country’s Agriculture, biodiversity and the environment from Alien pests that would rather be more devastating should they arrive here.
Dr. Joab Tugume, the Senior Agricultural Inspector in the Department of Crop Inspection and Certifications noted that the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) requires each country’s NPPO to be responsible for conducting pest risk analyses and taking appropriate phytosanitary measures.
The workshop intended to come up with PRAs of High-Risk pests like Clavibactor nebreskensis, Khapra Beetle, and Cotton Mealybugin bid to enhance the country’s preparedness and Response.
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