GOVT ENACTS PLANT HEALTH ACT, NUMBER 1 OF 2025

By JOSIAH MPOFU

GOVERNMENT has replaced the Plant Pests and Diseases Act, Chapter 233 of 1958" with the newly enacted "Plant Health Act, Number 1 of 2025.

The replacing of a decades-old law with the newly enacted Plant Health Act No. 1 of 2025 is aimed at safeguarding Zambia’s agriculture sector.

Speaking in an interview with NAIS, Plant Quarantine and Phytosanitary Service (PQPS) Director Kenneth Msiska said the Act seeks to modernize the country’s approach to plant and plant products protection, trade and food security.

Dr Msiska explained with challenges resulting from climate change, global trade, and invasive pests on the rise, the old legislation had outlived its purpose.

“Since time immemorial Zambia depended on the drafted colonial era Plant Pests and Diseases Act of 1958. But with issues of climate change, global trade, and invasive pests on the rise, the old legislation had outlived its usefulness. The 1958 Act was reactive and outdated meanwhile the new Plant Health Act is up to date and aligned with international protocols thereby equipping Zambia with mechanisms aimed at preventing, detecting and responding to plant health pressures,” Dr Msiska explained.

Dr Msiska noted that Plant Health Act, Number 1 of 2025 was not just about compliance but safeguarding Zambia’s food supply, protecting biodiversity and securing new markets for farmers.

He stated that the newly updated law was a long-overdue reform that would put Plant health at the centre of Zambia’s agricultural growth.

And PQPS Senior Plant Health Inspector Martin Siazemo said the new Act will give inspectors greater legal backing to enforce Phytosanitary standards.

“The Plant Health Act of 2025 will help to strengthen Zambia’s border controls and enhance response to pest outbreaks. It also gives inspectors greater legal backing to enforce Phytosanitary standards,” Mr Siazemo said.

Meanwhile, International Trade Chief Plant Inspector Dr Doreen Chomba said the Act will boost Zambia’s capacity to meet export requirements.

“We encourage farmers, exporters and other stakeholders to comply with registration of phytosanitary services as registering is a straightforward and accessible process which seeks to ensure that farmers easily trade without complications,” Dr Chomba said.

Dr Chomba explained that the Plant Health Act. No. 1 of 2025 is expected to play an important role in enhancing Zambia’s preparedness for pest invasions and competitive on the global market. -NAIS