Fight against cassava witch's broom gains reinforcements

This week, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) established, through Ordinance SDA/Mapa No. 1.253/25, the Agricultural Emergency Operations Center (COE-Mapa) Cassava Witch's Broom. The measure aims to strengthen the articulation between federal and state public agencies and research institutions in the implementation of phytosanitary strategies for cassava crops.

The initiative stems from the declaration of a state of phytosanitary emergency established by Mapa Ordinance No. 769/25, which recognizes the need to intensify the adoption of coordinated measures to control witches' broom. The COE-Mapa Vassoura de Bruxa da Mandioca will act in dialogue with different institutional spheres, ensuring the execution of actions aligned with the guidelines of the national phytosanitary policy.

The center's responsibilities include coordinating actions between the institutions involved, with the aim of supporting the Department of Plant Health and Agricultural Inputs (DSV/Mapa) in implementing emergency response strategies, as well as supporting the Secretary of Agricultural Defense in optimizing actions and disseminating technical information to society.

In addition to technical units from the Secretariat of Agricultural Defense, partner ministries such as Agrarian Development and Family Farming, Indigenous Peoples, Environment and Climate Change, and Development and Social Welfare participate in the COE-Mapa. ​​Research institutions, state agricultural defense agencies, and entities that work in food security, supply logistics, and public safety also participate in the initiative. If necessary, other public or private institutions may be invited to contribute to the meetings.

With the implementation of this structure, the Ministry reinforces its commitment to the phytosanitary protection of cassava crops, promoting coordinated action among the different agents involved in the sector.