By Faiza Tehseen ISLAMABAD, March 30 (INP-WealthPK): In Pakistan, the lack of awareness about pests and plant diseases is causing the loss of at least 30-40% of the yield of key crops. To cope with this problem, “The Plantwise” plant health initiative was launched a few years ago by Pakistan’s Agriculture Department and the Centre for Agriculture & Bioscience International (CABI). It is a complete package of advisory services and data management to address crop health problems all over the country. This initiative also provides the facility of e-clinics for farmers to get online solutions. The majority of Pakistan’s population directly or indirectly depends on agriculture. This sector contributes 24% to Pakistan’s gross domestic product (GDP). Being an agrarian economy, healthy crop plants are a precious asset for Pakistan. Good agricultural practices involve plant health, sanitary and phytosanitary measures. Integrated pest management is mandatory for good yields and crop business. Dr. Muhammad Aslam, Director General for Pest Warning & Quality Control Pesticides, Agriculture Department, Government of Punjab, told WealthPK this initiative has enabled farmers to target crop problems at an early stage. Farmers under this initiative are trained to use biological means besides the use of regular pesticides. Now, they are able to cope with immense losses. Under this initiative, official field workers are also trained to approach farmers with the practical experience from basic to severe problems. Field workers are strictly monitored by the department for better performance and smart output. Farmers witness more and more improvement through regular attendance in advisory sessions under the umbrella of mobile units. These mobile units also offer e-solutions for multiple crop problems. Dr. Aslam said that mostly, he himself visits multiple districts to check the performance and output of plant clinics. “Fortunately, the farmers are keen to learn advanced crop knowledge. After the success of this initiative in Punjab province, the plant clinics net has spread to other provinces of Pakistan as well. Farmers are showing interest in field advisory sessions and are reaping good yields,” he said. Dr. Muhammad Naeem Aslam, Country Coordinator of the Plantwise Initiative from CABI, told WealthPK that Plantwise is successfully operational in 33 countries worldwide. In 2012, the pilot project of Plantwise was launched in Punjab. After a great success in Punjab, under its extension program right now, more than 1,000 plant clinics are operational all over Pakistan. Dr. Naeem, also a farmer, said that farmers come to plant clinics with samples of diseased plants for diagnosis. In-plant clinics, farmers are trained to take timely and precautionary measures for crop safety. Farmers are also made aware of proper crop management plans. According to Dr. Naeem, CABI is also keeping the district-wise record and generates data about plant health which is updated on a regular basis. “All services in plant clinics are free for farmers. As a result of the Plantwise initiative, farmers are getting better yields and profits,” he said. Dr. Naeem said that Punjab Agriculture Department has played a vital role in the success of this program. Dr. Naeem said before joining this type of program, he was only getting 10 to 15% output from his farm yield. Now, by taking proper measures according to the Plantwise initiative, he is getting 40 to 50% net profit. Pakistan is showing extraordinary performance in the South Asian region regarding the Plantwise initiative.