Centre for systems approach for all agri commodities now

New Delhi The central government has adopted the systems approach for plant protection. This approach is about understanding all parts of a system so that complex problems can have easier and cheaper solutions.

The systems approach has already been implemented in mango cultivation in the country, official sources told Bizz Buzz. They emphasized on the development of systems approach for all the important agricultural commodities.

This can be done by the registration of farms and orchards with the State agriculture departments, application of the integrated pest management at the farmer level, and regular monitoring of pests and timely management. This will help even the smaller and marginal farmers to produce export-quality commodities. This will also avoid stringent treatment.

The systems approach is under implementation in India in accordance with the international standard for phytosanitary measures, the sources said, adding that the internationally approved GrapeNet is an example of that.

GrapeNet is an internet-based electronic service offered by the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) to the stakeholders for facilitating testing and certification of grapes for export. GrapeNet collects, stores, and reports forward and backward traces and quality assurance data entered by all stakeholders - that is, exporters, laboratories, and the authorities within the grapes supply chain in India.

APEDA, by employing the systems approach, has helped India export around $60 million of fresh mangoes.

Plant protection is an important aspect of agriculture. The major thrust areas of plant protection are promotion of integrated pest management, ensuring availability of safe and quality pesticides for sustaining crop production from the ravages of pests and diseases, and streamlining the quarantine measures for accelerating the introduction of new high yielding crop varieties. It is also important to eliminate the chances of entry of exotic pests.

Human resource development, including involvement and empowerment of women in plant protection skills, is also needed, the sources said.