Abstract:
Plant Quarantine plays an indispensable role in ensuring gains in production by preventing the introduction and spread of pests and diseases through planting material and seed. Pakistan, after independence in 1947, adopted the "Destructive Insects and Pests Acts, 1914” which was enacted by the former British Government of India for preventing the introduction and spread of exotic pests and diseases in the sub-continent. In 1952, plant-quarantine rules were slightly amended and then further revised and consolidated in 1967. The Destructive insects and Pests Act of 1914 was eventually replaced by the Pakistan Quarantine Act, 1976, which has remained in force since then. In a scenario of increased trade of seed and exchange of germplasm, a mechanism is required to regularly revise the Quarantine rules and the list of prohibited pests and diseases. The quarantine system needs to be streamlined, with establishment of post-entry stations and appointment of persons trained in diagnosis of pests and diseases and increasing the professional skills of the existing staff. Any seed-consignment imported from any country may be tested for its health status. A certificate of category or class of seed must be declared by the exporting country. Though quarantine needs strict and vigorous enforcement, however, quarantine laws must be logically based and backed by sound scientific data, and not utilized as a political tool for punitive measures or balance of trade practices. Close cooperation between quarantine services is needed, particularly on a regional basis, to bring harmony in the regulations and facilitate the exchange of plant-material: There is a dire need for research and development of quarantine techniques. In this regard, strong regional and international cooperation is needed to coordinate and disseminate quarantine-related information and for development of high-technology equipment to aid quarantine officers and personnel in the detection of quarantine materials being illegally transported. There is also a need to develop popularly acceptable educational programmes to inform the public about quarantine problems.
Page(s):
26-32
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Science, Technology and Development, Volume: 22, Issue: 2, Year: 2003