Crop protection focuses on preventing, monitoring and managing pests, diseases and other threats that reduce crop production and productivity in Malawi.
Key areas of focus include:
- Prevention and control of crop pests and diseases
- Integrated pest and disease management
- Monitoring and early identification of emerging crop threats
- Promotion of safe and appropriate use of agro-chemicals
- Safe handling, storage and disposal of agricultural chemicals
- Promotion of resistant and tolerant crop varieties where appropriate
- Farmer awareness and extension on crop protection practices
- Management of invasive pests and plant diseases
- Reduction of crop losses before and during production
- Protection of crop quality and food safety
The Ministry also provides agricultural information and technical guidance to farmers on the identification and management of important crop pests and diseases. The National Agriculture Policy 2024 places particular emphasis on integrated pest and disease management and the safe handling and disposal of agro-chemicals.