The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has deployed measures for the prevention and control of major autumn pests and diseases.

　At present, autumn grain production has entered a critical stage for yield formation, and it is also the key period for the occurrence and control of major autumn‑crop pests and diseases, such as the “two‑migration” rice pests and rice blast. On August 18, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs convened a national on-site conference on the prevention and control of major autumn pests and diseases in Changsha, Hunan Province, to share updates on pest and disease dynamics across regions, analyze and assess future trends, and mobilize and deploy monitoring and control efforts. The ministry urged all localities to implement and refine preventive measures, spare no effort in winning this tough battle, and ensure a bountiful harvest by safeguarding grain yields from pest damage.
　　The meeting noted that, thanks to the strong attention of Party committees and governments at all levels and the concerted efforts of agricultural and rural departments, significant progress has been made in controlling major autumn‑season pests and diseases, with no substantial adverse impact on production. However, since late July, both the affected area and pest densities have risen rapidly. According to statistics, major rice pests and diseases have already occurred across 530 million mu, an 85 percent increase compared with mid‑July. Coupled with above‑average autumn temperatures and active typhoon activity, these pests and diseases are trending toward more severe outbreaks, posing a considerable risk of widespread crop damage in some regions. Consequently, prevention and control measures must remain unwavering.
　　The meeting emphasized that all localities must fully recognize the special and significant importance of securing a bumper grain harvest for the entire year, steadfastly uphold the goals of keeping pest and disease losses below 5% and increasing the coverage of integrated pest management and green control measures, and persist in moving preventive measures upstream—addressing problems early and at their earliest stages. They must overcome difficulties and ensure effective prevention and control of major pests and diseases affecting autumn crops. First, responsibilities for prevention and control must be further strengthened. In line with the Party and government’s joint responsibility for food security, and in accordance with the Biosecurity Law, the Regulations on the Prevention and Control of Crop Pests and Diseases, and other relevant provisions, we will reinforce assessment and performance management, ensuring that local-level responsibilities are firmly assigned at every level. Second, monitoring and early warning systems must be intensified. In response to new developments and emerging characteristics in the occurrence of autumn crop pests and diseases, we will increase the frequency of monitoring and surveys, strictly enforce duty‑roster and reporting protocols for pest and disease outbreaks, promptly issue early warnings, and provide farmers with timely guidance on appropriate control measures. Third, prevention and control measures must be further optimized. We will vigorously promote green pest management and… Pesticide In terms of reduction‑in‑use technologies, in light of climatic conditions such as high temperatures and drought, farmers are guided to appropriately adjust the types of pesticides used and the timing of applications, thereby ensuring the safe and effective use of control measures. Fourth, we will further strengthen integrated pest management. We will promptly coordinate and make full use of central government disaster‑relief funds for agricultural production, actively seek support from local governments, and, through mechanisms such as service procurement, vigorously promote integrated pest management while organizing timely emergency control efforts to enhance both the efficacy and efficiency of disease and pest prevention and control.
　　At the conference, a plaque‑presentation ceremony was held, during which the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs announced the establishment of five emergency response teams for crop pest and disease control: the Tianyuan Mugge Team in Yueyang City, the Wanjiafeng Team in Yuanjiang City, and three others under the Hunan Nongfeike brand.

Source: News Office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Author: News Office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs