Posted on May, 15, 2025 at 09:35 am
THE International Day of Plant Health, observed globally on 12 May, highlights the vital importance of protecting plant life as a foundation for food security, environmental sustainability, and economic stability.
In 2025, Tanzania joined the world in commemorating the day under the theme “The Importance of Plant Health in One Health,” reinforcing the interconnectedness of plant, animal, and human health.
Designated by the United Nations, the day serves as a global call to action for governments, farmers, scientists, and the public to invest in plant protection and sustainable agricultural practices.
Healthy plants are crucial for producing the food we eat, sustaining biodiversity and tackling climate change.
To mark the day, the Government of Tanzania and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations issued a joint statement emphasising the need to strengthen plant health systems across the country.
The commemoration came at a time when pests and plant diseases are costing the global economy over USD 220 billion each year and causing up to 40 percent loss in crops.
Director General of the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticide Authority (TPHPA), Professor Joseph Ndunguru said, “Tanzania, like many agricultural countries, is at high risk of pest outbreaks due to climate change, increased trade and cross-border movement.”
“This day reminds us of the urgent need to invest in surveillance systems, modern diagnostic tools and public awareness to reduce these losses,” he added.
Agriculture is the backbone of Tanzania’s economy, employing more than 65 per cent of the population and contributing over 25 per cent to the national GDP.
With this dependency, any threat to plant health can severely affect food availability, household incomes and national development targets.
Furthermore, FAO Country Representative Dr Nyabenyi Tipo, said that plant health is central to the One Health approach, which recognises that human, animal and environmental health are interlinked.
“When we protect plants, we are protecting the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the animals we depend on. That’s why plant health is a pillar of One Health,” said Dr Tipo.
Dr Tipo also pointed out that FAO is working with Tanzania through initiatives like the Strengthening Plant Health Inspection and Testing (STREPHIT) programme to improve regulatory frameworks, enhance the capacity of plant health professionals, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
As part of the 2025 observance, officials urged stakeholders across all sectors to take responsibility in preventing the spread of pests and diseases.
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Farmers were encouraged to adopt environmentally friendly pest control methods and follow international plant protection standards.
Traders and travellers were warned against the unregulated movement of plants and plant products, which often introduces invasive species to new environments.
The Ministry of Agriculture reiterated its commitment to building national capacity in pest monitoring and management, especially at the grassroots level.
Extension officers are being trained to support early detection and communitybased pest surveillance, while public campaigns are ongoing to educate the population on plant health risks.
“Healthy plants ensure healthy people, animals, and ecosystems. Without plant health, there is no food security or climate resilience. It is time we all recognised that plant health is not just an agricultural issue it is a national priority,” said Professor Ndunguru.
With the effects of climate change becoming more severe, Tanzania faces increasing challenges in controlling plant pests such as Fall Armyworm, desert locusts and fungal diseases.
These threats not only reduce food production but also place pressure on ecosystems and natural resources.
Efforts are also being made to introduce digital tools for pest tracking and farmer reporting.
Mobile apps, remote sensing, and real-time data sharing are enabling quicker responses to outbreaks, especially in rural areas where access to experts and laboratories is limited.
The International Day of Plant Health serves as a powerful reminder that the health of plants underpins every aspect of life. Without healthy plants, food systems break down, economies falter, and the environment suffers.
As Tanzania continues to play its role on the global stage in promoting sustainable agriculture, officials and partners are calling for increased investment, innovation and collaboration to safeguard the country’s plant resources. “This is a shared responsibility,” said Dr Tipo.
“If we are to build a sustainable future, we must prioritise plant health as part of our development, health and environmental agendas.”
Source: Daily News