Workshop on System Approach for Management of Fruit Flies on Mango Organized in Mumbai

Recently a workshop has been organized in Mumbai. It was based on the System Approach for the Management of Fruit Flies on Mango, and is scheduled from 19 to 23 June. In the event, high officials participated and emphasized various aspects of agriculture.

The workshop was inaugurated by Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmer Welfare in the Government of India. The event was graced by the presence of Ashish Kumar Shrivastav, Joint Secretary (PP) of the Department of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare,  Dr. S.N. Sushil, Director of ICAR-NBAIR, Dr. Yubak Dhoj G.C., Executive Secretary of the APPPC Secretariat,  MoA&FW, and Dr. J.P. Singh, PPA, DPPQS.

During her inaugural speech, Minister Sushri Shobha Karandlaje placed great emphasis on the imperative of producing fruits and vegetables that are both free from pests and residues. She underscored the significance of achieving this goal to access global markets and boost farmers' income. The Minister expressed her hope that the benefits derived from the workshop would align with India's noble philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, emphasizing the importance of viewing the world as one family. Additionally, she highlighted the interconnectedness between agricultural exports and trade, stressing the need for concerted efforts and collaborative measures to strengthen export promotion.

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Ashish Kumar Shrivastava, Joint Secretary also emphasized upon International Plant Protection Convention(IPPC), APPPC, and their respective role in Phytosanitary mitigation for safe transboundary movement of commodities. He told about the development of a system approach for all significant agriculture commodities by opening farm or orchard registration jointly with the State Agriculture Department. By applying various other methods including IPM at the farmer level, timely management of pests and regular monitoring approach can lead to benefit marginal and small farmers. Moreover, they can produce quality export products and severe treatments can be avoided.

Dr. J.P. Singh, Plant Protection Adviser and Chairman of the APPPC IPM Standing Committee delivered a warm welcome address, highlighting the successful implementation of the Systems Approach in India. This involved various steps such as farmers' registration, the adoption of Good Agricultural Practices, pest monitoring, processing attack houses, and the application of phytosanitary treatment to ensure pest-free global trade.

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Dr. Yubak Dhoj, Executive Secretary of the APPPC secretariat, expressed that this capacity development program would offer practical measures to effectively manage fruit fly infestations during the international movement of agricultural products. Tarun Bajaj, Director of APEDA, elucidated the significant role played by APEDA in facilitating the export of agricultural commodities. He said that   India has successfully exported fresh mangoes worth approximately 60 million dollars.

Many participants across several countries participated in remote and physical modes. In the 5 days workshop, it was also said that Pre-harvest Integrated  Plant Health Management for mango pest and NPPO case studies were to be discussed and various reviews were to be deliberated. Additionally, a visit to Mango orchards and treatment facilities will be done.

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