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…
In pictures: Tackling Croton scale in Grenada
In Grenada’s lush tropical landscapes, a tiny pest, the Croton scale, is having a massive impact. But thanks to the power of nature and knowledge sharing, change is underway. Through the combined efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture, CABI PlantwisePlus, and the Sandals Foundation, the sustainable management of croton is being evaluated as part of…
Training held to enhance Trichogramma mass rearing to sustainably manage lepidopteran pests in Bangladesh
CABI and BARI joined forces to help increase the capacity for Trichogramma wasps reared at a new facility officially opened in Rangpur to sustainably managed lepidopteran pests in vegetables. A training course was held at RARS-BARI in Rangpur as part of a project implemented under the CABI-led PlantwisePlus programme to utilize biological control agents in…
Post-registration pesticide reviews: Experiences, learnings and best practices
CABI’s PlantwisePlus programme recently hosted a regional webinar on strengthening post-registration pesticide reviews. Experts from Kenya, Uganda, and Sweden shared lessons on risk-based frameworks, regulatory digitization, and regional collaboration. The event highlighted global best practices and the need for data-driven, adaptable systems to ensure pesticide safety and compliance.
Training Sri Lanka’s agro-dealers in pesticide risk reduction
Agro-dealers provide vital support to Sri Lanka’s farmers. These agricultural input suppliers are often the first point of contact for smallholders who need advice on plant protection products. However, agro-dealers often lack formal training in safer pesticide use and pesticide alternatives. This can lead to the misuse of agro-chemicals, environmental harm, and health risks for…
“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…
Biocontrol that goes the distance: Acerophagus papayae in Kenya
Acerophagus papayae can slow the spread of the invasive papaya mealybug and benefit the wider community. Recent monitoring efforts have shown that the natural enemy is reaching long distances away from the original release sites. Invasive species pose a persistent threat to agriculture, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions where favourable conditions allow rapid spread…
The power of street theatre – a novel approach to sharing farming know-how
Agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. However, many farmers lack access to crucial knowledge about sustainable practices. This is especially true for women. While women form around 66% of the agricultural workforce in Pakistan, they receive a fraction of the extension advice. This poses a challenge when it comes to pesticide risk reduction. In…
How agro-dealer training in Uganda is reducing pesticide risks and making farming safer
Agro-dealers can play a critical role in sharing knowledge about pesticide safety and biopesticides. Misusing chemical pesticides harms farmers, consumers, animals and the environment. However, safe handling of pesticides and the use of nature-based alternatives help to reduce these risks. Nevertheless, many farmers lack access to relevant information. It has been estimated that less than…