According to the “Scientific review of the impact of climate change on plant pests” report of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), globally around 40% of agricultural produce is damaged due to invasive pests every year.
i.The report was prepared by Maria Lodovica from the University of Turin in Italy alongside 10 co-authors.
ii.Annually countries spent USD 70 billion to eliminate invasive pests like Fall Armyworm, Desert Locusts (World’s most destructive migratory pests)
Note – United Nations declared 2020 as the International Year of Plant Health, which later got extended till 1st July 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Key Findings:
- Climate Change increases the risk of pest spreading
- 50% of all emerging plant diseases are spread through global trade and travel
- Countries should invest more in strengthening national plant health systems and structures
- Implementing plant health standards developed by International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) & FAO
Note – In April 2020, the Locust attack destroyed over 33% of the crops in Rajasthan
Recent Related News:
India ranked 139 out of 149 countries in the ‘World Happiness Report 2021’ a publication of United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UNSDSN). The ranking was topped by Finland (tops for the 4th Time).
About Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO):
FAO was established by the United Nations in October, 1945 to eliminate hunger and improve nutrition and food security.
Director General– Qu Dongyu
Headquarters– Rome, Italy
