Phytosanitary actions against the pest intercepted in agricultural commodity traded through Tribhuwan International Airport, Nepal

Ghimire P, Jha RK and Baral S

Published on: 2024-02-26

Abstract

The study mainly focuses on different phytosanitary actions taken against the pests and diseases intercepted in agricultural commodities traded through Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu. The study was conducted at the Quarantine Office, TIA, Kathmandu, from April 2018 to May 2019. Sample collection and inspection of traded agricultural commodities were done as per [1]. Results revealed that different agricultural commodities, i.e., cauliflower, rudraksha, brinjal, etc., that were going to be exported were found to be infected with different pests and diseases. As a result, a phytosanitary certificate was not issued. Similarly, it was found that different pests like aphids, mealybugs, weevils, etc. and diseases caused by Fusarium sp. and Alternaria sp. intercepted in agricultural commodities, i.e., fruits, seeds, potted plants, etc., that were imported into Nepal were either disposed of or released after treatment. Thus, the assessment of pests during the trade of agricultural commodities helps in checking the pests that can be potentially threatening in Nepalese agriculture as well as ensuring quality trade. Therefore, it is important to apply appropriate SPS measures during the trade of agricultural commodities, which result in minimizing the introduction of risk that can have a larger economic impact.