Inspection and Certification: Conducting visual inspections of plants, plant products, and other regulated items (such as wood packaging or conveyances) to ensure compliance with national and international phytosanitary standards (e.g., ISPMs). Issuing import permits, export certificates (phytosanitary certificates), and release reports for consignments that meet requirements.
Regulatory Enforcement: Enforcing the Plants and Fertilizer Act, 2010 (Act 803) by ensuring that agricultural goods meet import/export requirements. This may involve the confiscation or destruction of non-compliant or infested consignments.
Pest and Disease Management: Assisting with the monitoring of pest situations, providing diagnostic services, managing outbreaks of pests, and implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies in the field.
Training and Extension Services: Providing technical backstopping and training to various stakeholders, including farmers, extension workers, exporters, and local government staff, on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), pest identification, and control strategies.
Data Collection and Reporting: Collecting data on agricultural practices, pest incidents, and input usage (pesticides, fertilizers). Writing and submitting detailed field reports to senior officers.
Collaboration and Supervision: Working closely with customs authorities at entry points and collaborating with researchers and field officers. Supervising laborers and junior field staff on specific projects.
Stakeholder Engagement: Registering and training seed growers, pesticide dealers, and exporters, as well as facilitating the removal of obsolete or unwanted chemicals.