The Crops Production Unit in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security (MAFFS) has officially launched the Plant Health Clinics in Bo, Pujehun, Bonthe and Moyamba in the Southern Region.
Explaining the purpose of the Clinics during the launching recently, the Head of Plant Protection Services Unit, Dr. Ibrahim Shamie said the initiative was against the background of farmers loosing as a result of the escalating pest and disease damage to crops and other related problems; as well as the desire of moving the sector from subsistence to commercial farming.
He explained that the contact with the Commonwealth Agricultural Bureau (CAB) based in England led to the provision of needed funds and expertise to train sixteen (16) Plant Doctors in Makeni. The registration procedure, diagnosis and treatment of crops damaged by pests and provision of mini pesticide stores and its uses, were explained by Dr. Shamie. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Augustine Sheku said the President has declared that agriculture is his priority, as he intends to improve the quality of life of the people; adding that majority of the people do not only earn their livelihood from agriculture but also provide food for all to sustain life.
He said the services of the Clinic would be helpful to the fragile food situation and also enhance the current policy of government’s commercialization of agriculture.
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