In the face of climate change, global trade, and the rapid spread of plant pests and diseases, real-time data and spatial awareness have become crucial for protecting agricultural systems. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) offer a powerful solution. By mapping, analyzing, and visualizing spatial data, GIS is transforming how countries and institutions monitor plant health, assess … Read more
Introduction Transboundary plant diseases do not recognize borders. In crop-shared regions—areas where countries grow the same or similar crops across shared boundaries—the threat of disease spread is constant and growing. These diseases, often driven by cross-border trade, climate change, and shared ecosystems, can wipe out harvests, cripple food security, and strain bilateral relations. Safe and … Read more
Introduction When pests strike, the speed of response determines the scale of damage. Yet in many rural and agricultural communities, pest outbreaks are reported too late—after significant crop losses have occurred. Enter Farmer Observatories: a grassroots solution to strengthen real-time pest surveillance through direct participation of those on the frontlines—farmers. These community-based platforms are transforming … Read more
Introduction In a world where plant pests and pathogens are spreading faster than ever—thanks to global trade, climate change, and expanding agricultural frontiers—early and accurate diagnosis is critical. Traditional lab-based identification is often too slow for real-time pest management. That’s where field diagnostic tools step in. These portable, rapid-response technologies allow farmers, inspectors, and plant … Read more
Introduction The threat of invasive pests entering a country through border regions is one of the most serious biosecurity risks facing agriculture today. These pests can devastate crops, disrupt ecosystems, and cripple trade. Surveillance and early detection in border areas serve as the first line of defense to stop these biological invaders before they spread … Read more
In an era of global trade and shifting climate patterns, the risk of invasive pests and plant diseases has never been higher. For Myanmar — a country rich in agricultural diversity — maintaining plant health is not only about crop productivity but also food security and export potential. At the heart of this protection system … Read more
Introduction As global trade expands, the risk of introducing pests and diseases through agricultural imports and exports increases dramatically. Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) has become an indispensable tool for National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs) to evaluate, manage, and mitigate pest-related threats. In the context of global biosecurity, strengthening PRA systems is critical to safeguarding ecosystems, … Read more
Ensuring the safety and quality of agricultural exports is not just about meeting international standards—it is about securing farmer livelihoods, boosting national revenue, and sustaining Myanmar’s reputation in global markets. The Plant Protection Division (PPD) under the Department of Agriculture has been at the forefront of phytosanitary measures in Myanmar, building resilient systems to prevent … Read more
Myanmar’s agriculture, the backbone of its rural economy, is increasingly under threat from a surge of emerging plant diseases. These diseases, driven by climate change, intensified trade, and evolving pathogens, jeopardize national food security and export potential. As outbreaks become more frequent and unpredictable, early detection, accurate diagnosis, and rapid response have become crucial in … Read more
In the dynamic agricultural ecosystem of the ASEAN region, the silent guardians of food security are not always the farmers or agri-tech innovations — they are the National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs). Tasked with a vital responsibility, NPPOs function as the frontline defense against the entry, establishment, and spread of pests that could cripple agricultural … Read more