Registration of biopesticides in Pakistan
Agriculture is extremely important to Pakistan’s economy and people. It is the largest sector, employing over 40% of the workforce and contributing approximately 24% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). However, the increase in demand for food is being challenged by low agricultural productivity due to losses caused by crop pests and diseases. To overcome these problems, there is an overreliance on pesticides which have caused food safety issues due to excessive pesticide residues. Pakistan is therefore focusing on sustainable pest management and ecosystem conservation. Working with CABI and partners, Pakistan has approved biopesticide registration guidelines to promote environmentally friendly pest control products.
Generative AI for Agriculture Advisory
Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) technology offers enormous potential by addressing information asymmetries and rapidly advancing research. In the agriculture sector, it can localize digital advisory messages and increase the accessibility of such messages to reduce the digital divide compared to traditional, non-AI communication methods. Using natural language processing (NLP) and large language models (LLMs) offers new potential to disseminate complex scientific information more widely, in local dialects and through various formats, transforming accessibility. This project will explore the potential to deliver advisories based on CABI’s highly curated and expert-validated resources to plant doctors and other agriculture advisors via Generative AI chatbot technology, and the data governance and licensing necessary to ensure the quality of such advisories.
Strengthening phytosanitary research programming and collaboration: from European to global phytosanitary research coordination
As a result of increased global trade and transport and climate change, the likelihood of pest introductions has grown. However, public resources and budgets to invest in research, including national phytosanitary research budgets, have typically declined. Combining resources to investigate challenges that countries share and develop solutions of mutual benefit can address some of the difficulties researchers and their funders face. In this project, CABI will be working as part of the European Phytosanitary Research Coordination (EUPHRESCO) network to help guide national, regional and global research funding. CABI will use its African knowledge and expertise to develop a regional phytosanitary research agenda for Africa.
Integrated management of fall armyworm in rice-based ecosystems
Rice is a food security crop in the Philippines. It is the second most important commodity after sugar cane. However, an invasion of the fall armyworm in Asia is damaging food crops, including rice, and threatening the food, nutrition and income security of millions of farming households. To sustainably manage this ferocious pest, an integrated pest management strategy is required. CABI is providing its expertise to help the country develop ‘preparedness’ strategies to mitigate the impacts of fall armyworm on rice production.