Yubak Dhoj G. C., PhD
Programme Director and National Coordinator
Plant Protection Directorate and National IPM Programme in Nepal
I feel extremely honored and express my great pleasure to bring our official website ( www.ppdnepal.gov.np ) to be accessible to our valued readers. In this occasion, I would like to express warm welcome to all of you for investing your valuable time for surfing this site.
Directorate of Plant Protection (PPD) is one among the twelve Directorates within the Department of Agriculture. Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives (MoAC) is an apex body of the Government of Nepal, under which this Directorate is functional. PPD is a Government agency primarily mandated for formulating policies and responsible for the implementation of programs on the plant protection. Government of Nepal has given top priority in various plan periods for Plant Protection Sector. Initially, it was named as Division, which was established in 2044 B.S. (1993) under the Department of Agriculture (DoA). A separate Plant Protection Division was sought & established accordingly in 2052 BS (1996). Later on the name of Plant Protection Division was changed into Plant Protection Directorate (PPD) in 2057 BS (2001). PPD is also the official contact point for International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and recognized as the focal point for National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO).
In addition to its representation at the district level through Plant Protection Officers, the Directorate is responsible for other national level programme - the Office of the Registrar of Pesticides, the Plant Quarantine Programme and Regional Plant Protection Laboratories. It adheres to its principles for technical guidance in the area of Plant Protection, Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures, Pesticide Regulation and Promotion of biorational compounds, Diagnostic Services through its laboratory wings. It works in close collaboration with farming communities, private sectors, national and international organizations involving in development and extension services. It also serves as Government counterpart to Norwegian Government and FAO supported National Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Programs in Nepal. The directorate sincerely acknowledges their supports and development pursuit which has becoming an instrument to extend its program to the wider communities in the country. I am aware that we have a large well wisher community beyond the country that stands in favor of PPD at difficult times. I sincerely thank their continued support in future too as PPD believes on synergistic efforts for achieving its goal. Its vision, mission and objectives are principally guided with the priorities of the Government of Nepal and bilateral programs towards the up-liftment of the livelihood of the rural people through effective implementation and promotion of plant protection activities.
PPD has recognized its proactive roles in the sector of a plant protection and this has to be more vibrant in the context of a member country to World Trade Organisation (WTO) as it is an opportunity as well as challenges for making its commodities more exportable. In this endeavor, it has to put its increasing thrust towards organic production at least to some selected commodities in the selected area. At the same time, it has to serve as secretariat role for the safe removal of the obsolete pesticides from Nepal. While doing so, strengthening institutional as well as human capacity and optimization of the resources is imperative.
In addition to its regular Plant Protection activities, it has some focused IPM programs in twelve different districts supported by National IPM Programs, where its major effort is to produce pesticide free produce in a sustainable way so as to address food sufficiency and safety while considering the healthy environment. Its major approach is to promote effective plant protection measures with increasing emphasis of IPM, which will be an entry point towards organic production of the selected commodities. In fact these areas have to be adequately addressed by this directorate by mobilizing all of its components, physical and human resources.
As a predominant player for catering plant protection services in the country, PPD has an important role and enjoys for serving as secretariat for National IPM Program, which in fact is a common venture for the interested partners. While challenges to develop PPD lie on our way, we have to make short-term, medium term and long term plans with great breadth of vision to meet these challenges. If necessary, it has to review its working modalities and join its hand with the possible organizations for the formation of working group giving important thrusts with research, teaching and development counterparts. To address the immediate challenges on the emerging issues, PPD has been considering past efforts that could be reflected in present needs and changing scenario. It has given a high priority for addressing later generation problems that will meet the needs of the farming communities and envisioned by the Government of Nepal. It is now important for us to reassess our working approach and formulation of the policies which will be conducive for end-users as well as to the sympathizers. To achieve this noble aim, PPD should show increased professionalism in its endeavor. At the same time, untiring efforts and commitment of the staff in team approach is duly recognized. As high value exportable commodities play an important role in the economic development of the country, I wish to reaffirm our commitment to cater its services more reliable, qualitative and accessible as per the aspirations of all concerned. Furthermore, PPD is focusing on the organic produce by increasing linkages with all the concerned stakeholders and private organizations. Our staffs have shown consistent strives for betterment and dedication throughout the period and hope for more efforts in future. I am thankful to the entire staff of PPD, counterpart organizations and friends, staffs working in its sister organizations. We as a service provider, our satisfaction are solely dependent upon recipient satisfaction. Hence, we are determined to amend working principles, policies and modalities for making it more recipients friendly.
At last, I would like to take this opportunity to request all our recipients, donor agencies, employees and well-wishers for their incessant support and cooperation in an attempt to achieve the goals and thank them heartily for their good wishes at all times. At last I apologies to our valued recipients, for not meeting their expectations and sincerely thank them for bearing with us during adversities. I hope, the information provided in this site will be useful to the countless farmers, entrepreneurs, students, teachers, researchers, scholars etc. I assure you that, we will be coming with our more upcoming events and bringing you the information regularly. I look forward to receive your valuable comments and suggestions, which we always rely. Thank you once again for visiting this site.
Yubak Dhoj G. C., PhD
Program Director and National Coordinator
Plant Protection Directorate/ Support to National IPM Program in Nepal
Hariharbhavan, Lalitpur, Nepal
Telephone: (++) 977-1-5521597, 5535844
Fax: (++) 977-1- 5539376, 5535845
Personal Email: yubakgc@yahoo.com
Office email: director@ppdnepal.gov.np ;
www.ppdnepal.gov.np
