(THE GIST OF PIB) Asia Pacific Plant Protection Commission

(June-2023)

The Asia Pacific Plant Protection Commission unanimously elected India as chair of the Standing Committee on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for the biennium 2023-24 during the 32nd Session held in Bangkok.

It is an intergovernmental organization that promotes cooperation among countries in the Asia-Pacific region to enhance plant health and plant protection.
It was established in 1956 as a regional body approved by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
Member Countries: The commission consists of 25 member countries, including India.

The Commission consists of representatives of all member countries and elects amongst them a Chairperson who serves for a period of two years.
The Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization appoints and provides the secretariat that coordinates, organizes and follows up the work of the Commission.
The Commission, according to its provisions convenes at least once every two years and opens for participation to all member countries.
Objectives: The commission coordinates and supports plant protection activities of its Members in Asia and the Pacific, with emphasis on developing regional standards for phytosanitary measures (RSPMs) etc.