ACTIVITIES UNDER PLANT PROTECTION BRANCH,DIRECTORATE OF AGRICULTURE,MIZORAM, AIZAWL

Plant Protection Branch under Directorate of Agriculture conduct Awareness Campaigns and workshop to train extension functionaries as well as farmers in various skills and methods utilized in Plant Protection especially in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Safe and judicious Use of Pesticides, safe disposal of pesticides containers and Biological control etc. Through this training programmes and workshops organized by the department, the extension Functionaries and Farmers are able to upgrade their knowledge and skills in application of the technique in the subject concern.

Regular monitoring and surveillance of incidence of insect, pest and disease are conducted during the entire cropping season in all the 11 (eleven) districts of Mizoram. Pest Surveillance and monitoring is conducted based on National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) guidelines by conducting experiments in the farmer’s field. It plays an important role in forecasting of insect, pest and disease occurrence and level of incidence and brings about fast and early interventions to combat the target pest.

Plant Protection Branch under Directorate of Agriculture disbursed assistance to the needy farmers for purchasing Plant Protection Chemicals by utilizing funds available from various Centrally Sponsored Schemes implemented by the Department. The assistance for Plant Protection chemicals were disbursed @ Rs.500 per Ha. through Direct Benefit Transfer mode.
Other responsibilities of Plant Protection Branch are:

1. Insecticide Inspectors : Insecticide Inspector are appointed in every District of the State.

Powers & Function of Insecticide Inspectors:

1. To inspect at least 3 items in a year insecticides dealers/shop under his/her jurisdiction.
2. To see/use Insecticide licence as per the Act.
3. To investigate any complaint received.
4. Power to punish breach of Insecticides Act.
5. To collect insecticide samples for analysis.
6. Power to inspect, stop and seize sale of insecticides in contravention of the Insecticides Act.
7. To maintain a record of seize materials etc.

2. Insecticide Licence : Director of Agriculture is the licencing Officer of insecticides. A total of 37 nos. of Licence has been issued throughout the State with two years validity.

The documents required for Insecticide Licence/Dealership are:- 

1. Authorized dealership from Company/Manufacturer
2. Principal certificate from Company/Manufacturer
3. Degree certificate – Graduate in Agri. Horti. Etc.
4. GST registration certificate from Taxation Dept.

3. Plant Quarantine Station : The Plant Quarantine Station at Indo-Mynmar Border  Trade Centre, Zokhawthar is under the supervision of Plant Protection Section.
The main activities of the station are:

1. Enforcement of Plant Quarantine Regulation Act.
2. Issuance of Phytosanitary Certificate for export of Agriculture consignment
3. Inspection of edible plant/crop samples including seeds imported from Foreign countries and also exported to Foreign countries.