The Plant Health Department of the Ministry of Agriculture in the Dominican Republic has issued a ban on the cultivation of certain crops known to host whitefly and thrips. This measure, detailed in Resolution RS-MARD-2024-9 and signed by Minister Limber Cruz, targets Santiago, Dajabón, Valverde, and Montecristi from July 1 to September 30, 2024. The list of prohibited crops includes tomatoes, eggplants, melons, watermelons, cucumbers, okra, chili peppers, pumpkins of all types, and cotton. Additionally, the resolution enforces a nationwide tobacco planting ban, with the exception of Azua province.
Julio Cesar Estevez, the regional director, has disseminated the resolution among producer associations and independent farmers, who have pledged adherence. This initiative seeks to preserve the phytosanitary conditions of agricultural fields and promote biological control methods, thereby ensuring the nation's food security and safeguarding its exports. Non-compliance with the resolution will result in legal penalties.
As part of the strategy, the Department of Plant Health, under the guidance of engineer Rosa Lazala, is recommending the cultivation of alternative crops such as corn, sorghum, cassava, plantains, bananas, rulo, cabbage, onions, celery, bagana, cundeamor, papaya, green beans, and musú. These crops are not susceptible to whiteflies or thrips. Authorities have extended the ban until November 30 for the South, Central, and Southwestern areas, urging compliance with these preventive measures.
Source: dominicantoday.com