Role of plant clinics in Nepal highlighted at 10th International Plant Protection Symposium
The important role plant clinics play to help smallholder farmers in Nepal grow more healthier and profitable crops free from pests and diseases has been highlighted at the 10th International Plant Protection Symposium.
Plant health knowledge helps residents of wildlife conservancy turn from poaching to farming
Simalaha Community Conservancy aims to protect endangered wildlife. However, several years ago, it faced a big challenge. People living within the parks’ boundaries were poaching animals for food and income. The Conservancy is managed by Peace Parks Foundation. They addressed the problem by helping residents to shift from poaching to smallholder farming. But in 2020,…
Benefits of the PlantwisePlus digital tools presented in Nepal
CABI introduced the benefits of the PlantwisePlus digital tools and CABI Digital Library during a symposium in Nepal this April. Titled, “CABI Digital Library- A Suite of Tools for Plant Health System”, the event presented the tools and how they can help strengthen plant health systems.
Helping to ensure greater food security through the eyes of a young farmer and plant doctor
Dr Dennis Rangi, CABI’s Director General, Development based at its regional centre for Africa in Nairobi, Kenya, wrote a thought leadership article as part of International Youth Day. He said that a ‘revolution’ in agribusiness involving Africa’s youth is required so they can capitalise on the sector’s contribution to around 25% of the continent’s Gross…
Plant doctor training improves Rwandan farmers’ access to plant health advice
A six-day Plantwise plant doctor training session took place in Rwanda this March. Funded by CABI, the training aimed to build the capacity of Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA) staff in the diagnosis of crop pest problems, and providing advice to farmers.
Three types of training delivering plant health knowledge to Burundi’s farmers
How do you reach millions of farmers with tried-and-tested plant health advice? The answer is to train the plant health advisors. In Burundi, Plantwise has been doing just this. In March 2021, Plantwise started to train plant doctors in Burundi to deliver plant health advice to farmers. And five months later, in August, Plantwise was…
Working with Papua New Guinea to safeguard crop production
Papua New Guinea (PNG) relies on agriculture for income. But a host of plant health problems could put its valuable commodity crops at risk. Protecting high-value crops like cocoa and coffee is essential for safeguarding the country’s future. Agriculture is big business in PNG. It provides 22% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and…
Tuta absoluta in the Americas
Tackling the tomato pest, Tuta absoluta, with natural pesticide alternatives in the Americas Tuta absoluta (also known as Phthorimaea absoluta) is one of the most devastating plant-eating pests worldwide. It affects tomato plants and fresh tomatoes. And it causes high levels of crop production loss. Without stemming the spread, its effects are devastating.
Jamaica’s plant doctors shine in Plantwise programme awards
Three plant doctors in Jamaica – operating as part of the CABI-led Plantwise programme which helps farmers grow more and lose less to crop pests and diseases – have been honoured with awards established by the island’s government.
How Plantwise plant clinics supported a women-led cottage industry in India
In 2003, twelve women in Chokkalingam Puddur village started a local biocontrol agent production unit. The Ellya Thendral women self-help group produced and marketed five different types of fungal biopesticides. Their cottage industry received a boost when a Plantwise plant clinic was established in their village. CABI’s Plantwise programme partnered with M S Swaminathan Research…