Department Plant Protection

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Department Of Plant Protection

Background of The department

Plant protection department is one of the most important and very technical departments of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and it is responsible for the protection of Somalia’s agricultural resources from dangerous plant pests and diseases, contributing to the Somali vision of economic growth through increased agricultural production and facilitating trade of agricultural produce

MR: Abdi Mohamed Hussein

Director Of Plant Protection

[email protected]

Mandate

The Department of Plant Protection in the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation is responsible for safeguarding crops from pests, diseases, and invasive species to ensure sustainable agricultural production and food security. Its mandate includes developing and implementing pest and disease management strategies, monitoring and controlling outbreaks, and promoting the use of environmentally friendly pest control methods. The department also provides training and support to farmers on best practices in plant health management, contributing to increased productivity and resilience against agricultural threats.

The department is responsible for creating and enforcing policies related to the safe and effective use of agrochemicals, ensuring compliance with national and international standards to protect plant health and the environment.

It formulates and implements phytosanitary standards to prevent the introduction and spread of pests and diseases, ensuring the health of Somalia’s agricultural resources.

The department undertakes rigorous testing of agricultural inputs such as pesticides, fertilizers, and seeds to ensure they meet quality and safety standards before use in local agriculture.

It is tasked with the inspection and certification of agricultural products, both for import and export, to ensure compliance with Somalia’s and international phytosanitary regulations.

The department oversees the licensing and regulatory compliance of stakeholders in the plant protection sector, including agrochemical companies, distributors, and service providers.

Through surveillance and the development of pest databases, the department tracks pest populations and conducts Pest Risk Analyses (PRA) to manage and mitigate risks associated with pest outbreaks.

It provides diagnostic services for the identification of insect pests, pathogens, and invasive weeds, aiding in timely pest control and management interventions.

The department conducts educational programs and awareness campaigns to inform farmers, agricultural stakeholders, and the public on pest management practices and phytosanitary standards.

The department represents Somalia in regional and international plant health organizations, ensuring Somalia’s interests are reflected in global plant protection policies and initiatives.

Our Vision

To become the primary national institution for pest management without destroying the biodiversity and regional center of excellence on phytosanitary.

Our Mission

Protecting Somali agriculture resources from the risks related to the invasions, entry, establishment, and spread of plant pests and diseases through scientific based methods and techniques

Roles and Responsibilities of the Department

Department Director

Develop and oversee policies and strategies for pest and disease management in agriculture.
Monitor and respond to outbreaks of pests, diseases, and invasive species affecting crops.
Promote environmentally sustainable pest control methods, including integrated pest management (IPM).
Supervise the implementation of national plant protection programs and projects.
Collaborate with research institutions to develop innovative solutions for plant health challenges.
Provide technical guidance and capacity-building support to farmers and agricultural stakeholders.
Represent the department in national and international forums on plant protection and phytosanitary standards.
Ensure compliance with international agreements and standards related to plant health.
Facilitate partnerships with stakeholders to strengthen plant protection initiatives.
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of plant protection programs and recommend improvements.

Pests and diseases

Surveillance, early warning and control of the migratory pests
Preparing annual work plan for the section its and implementation
Preparing monthly and quarterly progress reports to the department director
Conducting of training courses, workshops, and seminars at national level
Management of diseases and weeds
Coordinates with extension department

Plant quarantine & phytosanitary

Implementation of plant protection and quarantine law, regulations, and phytosanitary measures;
Developing phytosanitary and quarantine measures.
Regulate import and export of plants and plants materials;
Conducting of Pest Risk Analysis (PRA).
Import and export inspection and certification for all agricultural products
Implement and enforce national biosafety and biosecurity regulations
Preparing annual work plan for the section and its implementation
Carrying out professional training for inspectors
Diagnosis/identification of insect pests/ pathogens/weeds
Preparing monthly and quarterly progress reports to the department director

Agro-chemicals (Pesticides & Fertilizers)

Implement agrochemical policies, laws and regulations
Licensing and controlling of agrochemical actors
Registration of agrochemicals
Testing/analysis of pesticides and fertilizers
Regulate import and export of agrochemicals
Conducting performance/efficacy trials of pesticides & fertilizers)
Preparing annual work plan for the section and its implementation
Training of registrars, inspectors on agrochemical
Preparing monthly and quarterly progress reports to the department director

Food safety

Preparing annual work plan for the section and its implementation
Conducting routine sampling and testing of agricultural products to detect and quantify mycotoxins.
Identifying high-risk crops and regions, assessing mycotoxin prevalence, and providing mitigation recommendations to stakeholders.
Performing testing to ensure pesticide residue levels on agricultural products do not exceed maximum allowable limits.
Raising awareness of food safety risks to farmers, traders, and consumers–promoting best practices for handling, storage, and processing
Preparing monthly and quarterly progress reports to the department director

Structure department

Ministry of Agriculture & Irrigation

We are committed to advancing sustainable agriculture and efficient irrigation practices to ensure food security and environmental well-being.

Connect with us

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Get in Touch MOAI

Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation

KM4 Street,Hodan, Mogadishu Somalia

[email protected]

+252 (61) 5 506 514

+252 (61) 7 955 558

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