Plant diseases rob the global economy of more than $220bn yearly, a study by the Food and Agriculture Organisation has shown.
According to the study published on Wednesday, 40 per cent of global crop production is currently lost to pests.
It also indicated that invasive pests cost countries at least $70bn yearly, stressing that the pests were one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss.
“Species such as fall armyworm, which feeds on crops that include maize, sorghum and millet, have already spread due to warmer climate. Others, such as desert locusts, which are the world’s most destructive migratory pests, are expected to change their migratory routes and geographical distribution.
“Movements like these threaten food security as a whole, and small-holder farmers, as well as people in countries where food security is an issue, are among those especially at risk,” the study showed.
The FAO Director-General, Qu Dongyu, at the unveiling of the study, was quoted as saying that preserving plant health was fundamental to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
“Sustaining plant health is an integral part of our work towards more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems,’’ Dongyu said.
The study, however, recommended international cooperation, effective management of plant pests, improved measures to limit transmission, research and investments as some of the measures to mitigate the impact.
“The review clearly shows that the impact of climate change is one of the greatest challenges the plant health community is facing,” it added.
