Mbombela: The Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, is set to commemorate the 2026 International Day of Plant Health (IDPH) in Mbombela. This annual event, which falls on 12 May, aims to elevate global consciousness about the significance of protecting plant health as a means to combat hunger, alleviate poverty, safeguard the environment, and promote economic growth.

According to South African Government News Agency, the event is scheduled to occur at the Ehlanzeni District Office Disaster Management Centre and aligns with worldwide initiatives to enhance plant health and biosecurity. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the International Day of Plant Health to generate awareness on the critical role of plant protection in ending hunger, reducing poverty, and preserving biodiversity and the environment, thereby stimulating economic development.

This year's theme, 'Plant Biosecurity for Food Security', underscores the necessity of protecting crops and natural vegetation from pests and diseases. The initiative also aligns with the goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, especially Goal 2, which targets the eradication of hunger.

The department aims to heighten awareness among policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the public on the importance of safeguarding plant resources, particularly in the face of increasing international trade in plants and plant products. The IDPH is intended to help minimize the risk of spreading plant pests due to international trade and encourage the implementation of the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM), as stated by the department.