Plantwise Programme organizing plant Doctor Clinics in Jamaica
Plantwise is a global programme implemented through the Centre for Agriculture and Bio Sciences International (CABI). This programme commenced in Jamaica with the signing of a partnership statement in 2014 by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture & Fisheries (MICAF) and the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), It aims at strengthening the national plant health system through improving services to farmers and other stakeholders in pest management. The Programmes uses data on pests and crops affected for the planning of extension and research interventions and facilitate the involvement of key stakeholders in the agricultural sector. The training of Agricultural Extension Officers and other technical staff from the Research and Development and Plant Quarantine Produce Inspection, Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries and NGOS as plant doctors is one of the key focuses of the programme. Plant doctors are equipped with additional knowledge and skills in pest recognition and integrated pest/ pesticide management. Since the programme inception, more than 90% of agricultural extension officers were trained as plant doctors and provide services to farmers’ island- wide through delivery of mobile plant clinic and issuing of plant doctor prescriptions.
Prescriptions with specific advice are used by farmers for future references. Information is shared with farmers and taken to the farm stores. In 2017, e-prescriptions were introduced and validated in Jamaica as a very effective tool in pest management Plant clinics are reinforced by the Plantwise knowledge bank, a gateway to actionable online and offline plant health information, including diagnostic resources, pest management advice and front line pest data for effective global vigilance. Key focus of the Plantwise programme in Jamaica during the period 2019-2020 include: 1. The implementation of the e-plant doctor clinics 2. Continuous engagement of stakeholders 3. “Plant doctor clinics” public awareness 4. Mainstreaming data and knowledge bank content 5. Continuation of efforts in capacity building for extension staff & NGO representatives 6. Monitoring Plant Doctor performance Going forward, RADA will continue to facilitate plant health rallies in Jamaica using extension materials made available by the MICAF Research & Development to reach more farmers and make an effort to encourage youth & women groups to participate in these activities.