Govt plans to revamp plant protection dept amid export challenges

ISLAMABAD: Facing difficulties in exporting agricultural produce and the rejection of consignments abroad, the government has decided to restructure the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) to modernise its operations, enhance efficiency and align with international standards.

The move aims to address long-standing issues within the DPP, including outdated management practices, inefficient risk assessment systems and challenges in complying with international sanitary and phytosanitary standards for export consignments.

The restructuring will include governance reforms, improvements in the management model and the outsourcing of its laboratories, a senior official from the Ministry of Food Security and Research (MNFSR) confirmed.

Under the new governance framework, the DPP will transition to a professional, independent structure. A corporate body with statutory protection will be established, guided by an advisory council consisting of scientists, federal and provincial representatives, and key industry stakeholders. This governance reform is intended to ensure impartiality and enhance the department’s effectiveness.

The restructuring also includes a shift to a lean, digital-first management model. To streamline operations, critical functions such as surveying, inspection, laboratory testing and fumigation will be outsourced. This change will allow the DPP to focus on strategic oversight while increasing efficiency and adaptability to meet the demands of modern agricultural trade.

As part of these reforms, two laboratories in Karachi currently managed by the DPP will be outsourced to improve operational efficiency and ensure adherence to international standards. This initiative also seeks to foster public-private collaboration, enhancing the overall performance of plant protection services in the country.

To oversee the implementation of the restructuring plan, a working group comprising secretaries from the MNFSR and other relevant ministries will closely monitor progress with weekly reviews. A draft bill outlining the proposed changes will soon be presented to the National Assembly. Additionally, the MNFSR will seek nominations for the board and chairman from federal ministries, provincial governments, and international organisations such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI). The MNFSR aims to transform the DPP into a globally competitive institution capable of safeguarding Pakistan’s agricultural exports and adapting to the evolving demands of global trade and plant protection. By meeting international standards, the reforms are expected to bolster Pakistan’s agricultural trade while strengthening food security in the country.