Zimbabwe's agricultural sector, the backbone of our economy and livelihoods, faces an increasing barrage of threats. Climate change is altering ecosystems, creating favourable conditions for new pests and diseases, while burgeoning global trade routes inadvertently offer additional pathways for their introduction. The recent emergence of devastating invaders like the Fall Armyworm (FAW) and the tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta) serves as a stark reminder of our vulnerability. In this challenging landscape, the Plant Quarantine Services Institute (PQSI) stands as a crucial line of defence.
As Mrs. Louisa Makumbe, Head of the Plant Quarantine Services Institute under the Research Services Department of the Agricultural Research, Innovation and Specialist Services Directorate, outlines, the institute's mandate is clear and critical: "to detect, to monitor, as well as give intelligence on emerging pests and diseases as we conduct early warning to manage those pests so that we protect Zimbabwe's plant health." This mission extends beyond mere protection; it encompasses safeguarding Zimbabwe's agriculture and environment, and crucially, "promot[ing] safe trade in plants and plant products." The urgency to understand and support PQSI’s work has never been greater for farmers, traders, and policymakers alike.
PQSI: Zimbabwe's Plant Health Guardian
Operating under the Agricultural Research, Innovation and Specialist Services Directorate, PQSI functions as Zimbabwe’s designated National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO), upholding international standards as a signatory to the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) under the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Its operations are governed primarily by the Plant Pest and Disease Act [Chapter 19.08], alongside complementary legislation covering the importation of plant products, registration of nurseries, safe production of tobacco, cotton, and paprika, the Warehouse Receipt Act, and the Research Act.
PQSI’s structure is designed for comprehensive coverage:
- Operations: Facilitates the safe movement of goods through inspections and issuing of vital import and export documents, including phytosanitary certificates. "We reciprocally offer phytosanitary certificates in response to import conditions that are given by our trading partners," explains Mrs. Makumbe.
- Surveillance: Vigilantly monitors for pests and diseases that could impact Zimbabwe’s plant health, agriculture, and environment, constantly assessing potential risks.
- Diagnostics: Serves as a critical backup for accurate identification of pests and diseases found during surveillance or inspections, working closely with local universities, academia, and international centres of excellence.
- Plant Import Regulation and International Liaison: Ensures Zimbabwe’s import conditions are robust and up-to-date to prevent risky introductions, while also meeting export requirements of trading partners.
To ensure nationwide reach, PQSI operates a decentralized network. While headquartered at the Mazowe Plant Quarantine Station, its services are delivered through over 40 substations countrywide, including internally and at exit and entry points such as airports and railway borders, ensuring vigilance at critical control points.
Understanding Phytosanitary Measures: The Plant Passport
A cornerstone of PQSI’s work is the phytosanitary certificate. Mrs. Makumbe describes it simply as a "plant passport," an official document accompanying plant products across borders. "A phytosanitary certificate is guided by import conditions of that country that is importing a product. So, it works hand in hand with a plant import permit," she clarifies. These documents certify that consignments meet the importing country’s plant health requirements, minimizing the risk of pest spread.
Current Battles: Pests and Diseases on the Radar
PQSI is engaged in a continuous battle against numerous threats. Mrs. Makumbe highlights the constant pressure: "As a country we are constantly exposed to emerging plant pests and diseases because of climate change... we constantly get new pests that we have to battle with."
Key concerns include:
- Quarantine Pests: High-priority threats not yet established in Zimbabwe, such as the causal agent Maize Chlorotic Mottle Virus, which leads to the deadly disease Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN). This is particularly worrying during drought years requiring grain imports. PQSI carefully vets import sources, avoiding areas known to have MLN, even when traders push for cheaper alternatives. Other critical quarantine threats include Potato Cyst Nematodes, Pepper Ring Spot Virus (PepRSV) threatening potato production, Blue Mould in tobacco, citrus greening disease (Hualongbing - HLB), and exotic fruit flies like Bactrocera zonata.
- Pests Affecting Trade: Even pests already present require strict management to maintain export markets. These include False Codling Moth (FCM), Citrus Black Spot (CBS), and the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) in the citrus sector.
To manage these threats, PQSI strives to contain outbreaks, aiming to keep pests "localised within the areas of detection." For trade-sensitive pests, PQSI works to establish Pest Free Areas (PFAs), allowing trading partners to maintain confidence in Zimbabwe’s exports.
Advocating Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
PQSI strongly advocates for Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Farmers are encouraged to combine:
- Chemical control (use of approved pesticides),
- Cultural control (farm hygiene like collecting fallen fruits, pruning, and destroying diseased material),
- Biological control (using natural enemies — "the farmer’s friends"),
- and the practice of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).
Moreover, PQSI collaborates with extension personnel, not only to train farmers but also to receive feedback from the field to inform research and surveillance efforts.
Innovating for Efficiency: The Electronic Permit System
Recognizing the need for streamlined processes, PQSI is embracing technology. "We are on a drive to have an electronic permit management system and to become one of the stakeholders on the Zimbabwe Electronic Single Window," Mrs. Makumbe reveals. The new Agricultural Permit Management System will serve as an electronic one-stop shop, enabling online applications and processing of phytosanitary permits, thereby significantly improving the ease of doing business.
Overcoming Challenges Through Collaboration
Despite its critical role, PQSI faces challenges. "Lack of awareness by our partners is one of the major challenges we face," notes Mrs. Makumbe. Travellers and traders, often unknowingly, risk introducing pests by bringing back attractive plants, fruits, or flowers without proper checks. "As Plant Quarantine Services, we are in a constant fight with people who want to bring in something that they love but are unaware of the risks," she adds.
Another significant hurdle is securing access to modern diagnostic equipment, essential for fast, accurate identification and enabling timely government responses.
To overcome these challenges, PQSI works collaboratively with farmers, extension personnel, universities, research institutions, and international partners such as the FAO, European Union, SADC, and COMESA, who provide crucial expertise and funding support.
A Call to Action: Protecting Our Agricultural Future
Safeguarding Zimbabwe’s agriculture is a shared responsibility. PQSI’s efforts are vital, but they require the active participation of all stakeholders.
- Farmers: Embrace IPM strategies, maintain good farm hygiene, participate in training programs, and report any unusual pest or disease sightings promptly.
- Traders: Strictly comply with import and export regulations. Obtain necessary permits and phytosanitary certificates. Avoid sourcing from risky zones.
- Policymakers: Continue supporting PQSI through adequate resources, legislative backing, and investment in modern diagnostic tools.
- General Public: Be aware of the risks associated with transporting plant materials without clearance. Always declare all plants, fruits, or vegetables at entry points.
By working together and adhering to phytosanitary measures, we can ensure a healthy, resilient, and productive future for Zimbabwe’s agriculture.
For further information, please contact:
Plant Quarantine Services Institute (PQSI) Head Office: Mazowe Plant Quarantine Station
