Many smallholder farmers lose a significant part of their harvests to crop pests. The new SIANI expert group, Tropical Fruits Liaison, tries to tackle this problem through collaboration between tropical fruit growers, specialists in crop control, and regulatory experts. Together, they work to make it easier for smallholders to access safe and effective pest control products.
Growing tropical fruits can generate welcome extra income and improve nutrition, but fruits are also often sensitive to pests and disease. The Minor Use Foundation works to address this challenge and leads the new expert group, Tropical Fruits Liaison. We spoke to the coordinator, Sasireka Rajendran, to learn more.
What is your project about?
The project aims to improve collaboration in addressing challenges related to tropical fruit crop protection by building a network of experts, including professionals, farmers, and researchers. We will focus on enhancing communication by developing strategies to effectively engage stakeholders and experts involved in the project.
Additionally, the project implements various activities such as creating tropical fruit expert directories, organising outreach programmes, and facilitating knowledge-sharing initiatives to strengthen cooperation and information exchange in the field. The group will operate by establishing research priorities, coordinating and educating stakeholders, policymakers, legislators, and the public on the value and need for technology in tropical fruits while securing the necessary support for these programmes.
Who are the members of the expert group?
Our group includes twelve experts, seven women and five men, representing academia, government, industry, and farmers’ associations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Members specialise in crop protection, regulatory policies, and tropical fruit farming.
What type of change can be achieved through your project?
This project aims to drive meaningful change by fostering collaboration, improving communication, and ensuring sustainable solutions for tropical fruit crop protection. Through this project, meaningful change can be achieved by leveraging the expertise and real-world experiences of expert members who share the production and trade challenges faced by tropical fruit farmers. This collective understanding and strong network will guide the planning and prioritisation of actions that align with farmers’ needs.
Given the complexities of varying regulatory frameworks and import regulations, farmers often struggle to comply with trade requirements, particularly regarding pesticide residues. The project will explore innovative solutions to address these challenges, including Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies and the use of biopesticides. By identifying practical options that can be implemented at both regulatory and ground levels, the project will provide direct support to farmers, helping them navigate trade barriers while ensuring sustainable and effective crop protection practices.
Enhanced communication and outreach efforts will raise awareness about tropical fruit protection through engaging knowledge products such as videos, infographics, and social media campaigns shared via Minor Use Foundation website, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Rather than directly developing crop protection tools, the expert group will act as a facilitator, linking farmers, researchers, and industries to find effective solutions to pest management challenges.
Which activities do you plan?
The project plans several key activities to address tropical fruit pest and disease challenges effectively. It will begin with a priority-setting process, reaching out to global partners to identify the most critical pest and disease problems. Based on expert group recommendations, priorities will be categorised either by commodity or by specific pests to ensure a targeted approach. The group will actively engage in regional and national events to highlight the significance of pest challenges in tropical fruit production and advocate for necessary interventions. A comprehensive communication strategy will be developed to maintain engagement with stakeholders during and beyond the project timeline, ensuring continuity and long-term impact. Additionally, collaborative efforts will be made to identify and secure resources that support research, innovation, and implementation of effective pest and disease management solutions.
Why is this important?
This project is important because small-scale tropical fruit farmers often lack access to registered crop protection products due to the low return on investment for industries. By setting priorities and establishing this expert group, we can push the agenda to attract industry attention toward the needs of tropical fruit farmers. Engaging regulators will allow for valuable feedback and discussions on incentives that support Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and biopesticide use, creating more sustainable and effective solutions for pest and disease control. Continuous engagement and commitment from the group will ensure a broader perspective, fostering collaboration across multiple regions to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices. This initiative not only enhances pest management strategies but also strengthens the resilience and market access of tropical fruit farmers globally.
How can I learn more about the project?
Insights, progress, and key developments related to tropical fruit crop protection can be found on the Minor Use Foundation website, with regular updates on the Minor Use Foundation’s accounts on LinkedIn, X and WhatsApp. You should of course also follow SIANI’s channels and the Tropical Fruits Liaison section of the SIANI website.