Watch the video: Trichogramma rearing facilities in Pakistan
In the face of increasing pesticide reliance, biological control offers a less harmful, more sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides. Biological control utilizes natural enemies, such as predators, parasitoids, and pathogens, to suppress pest populations. In Pakistan, PlantwisePlus is collaborating with the Pakistani government to rear Trichogramma chilonis, providing farmers with these tiny wasps that control…
Driving e-extension in Bangladesh through partnerships
“Digital innovation isn’t just about tools, it’s about transforming access to knowledge where it’s needed most.” In Bangladesh, millions of smallholder farmers struggle with unpredictable weather and frequent pest and disease outbreaks. Traditional agricultural extension services often can’t reach them fast enough. Digital agricultural extension, or e-extension, offers a solution. Using mobile phones, apps, and…
Pesticide risk reduction in Pakistan: Building a safer future for farming
Pesticides play a critical role in crop protection, but the overuse and misuse of highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) pose serious risks to farmers’ health, the environment, and international market access. In recent years, pesticide risk reduction in Pakistan has emerged as a national priority, a trend shared by many countries worldwide. In particular, following trade…
Digital skills training: Enabling access to digital advisory tools for women in Nepal
In a world where digital solutions are rapidly transforming agriculture, too many women, especially in rural areas, remain on the periphery of this revolution. This was evident during the promotion of CABI digital tools in Nepal, where we noticed that many smallholder farmers, particularly women, lacked the digital skills needed to access and use information…
Youth leading Africa’s food future: Meet Mary Mueni, a young Kenyan at the forefront of agribusiness innovation
We meet Mary Mueni in May 2025, in Wote Nziu, Makueni County, Kenya, where she is leading a hands-on training with mango farmers. The topic is climate-smart technologies, and she is in her element. She moves confidently among the group, breaking down complex ideas into simple and relatable terms. Every so often, she pauses to…
From field to farm: How digital innovation is transforming precision agriculture in Uganda
Celebrating youth innovation on International Youth Day In Uganda’s agricultural landscape, farmers once relied on traditional tools for agriculture. An incredible digital shift is changing their lives for the better. Farmers in Luwero, Nakasongola, Nakaseke, and Mukono are now adopting digital tools developed by PlantwisePlus to optimize crop production and their resource investments, such as…
Meet the plant doctor bringing CABI Academy to India’s agricultural advisors
In India’s Tirupati District, Andhra Pradesh, plant health training with CABI Academy is playing a vital role in strengthening agricultural practices and supporting extension professionals. Meet M. Bhaskaraiah, the Assistant Director of Agriculture and District Training Coordinator for the Department of Agriculture in Andhra Pradesh. He works with agricultural advisors, strengthening capacity through hands-on knowledge…
Women farmers in Uganda: Plant clinic challenges and progress
When women play a greater role in agriculture, food security improves, and entire communities benefit. Yet, despite comprising around 43% of the rural agricultural workforce, women often face significant barriers to accessing the agricultural services they need to thrive. This includes advisory services, such as plant clinics, which support farmers in managing pests and diseases…
“Use of any pesticide comes with some risk, but this risk can be reduced”
Pesticides are a widely used pest management option. However, if applied incorrectly, they can pose serious risks to human health, ecosystems, and food safety. From farm workers and consumers to pollinators and waterways, the impacts of unsafe pesticide use can be far-reaching.
Empowering women farmers in Pakistan with pest control knowledge
Women farmers in Pakistan play a central role in the country’s economy. However, many struggle to access essential information about sustainable farming approaches. Women make up nearly 66% of the agricultural workforce in Pakistan. Yet they receive very little agricultural extension advice. This lack of support creates serious challenges, particularly when it comes to managing…