Question

How many plant quarantine stations at different international airports, seaports and land frontiers are existing in India at present

• A. 21
• B. 52
• C. 73
• D. 89

Hint:

Remember the number 73 for Indian plant quarantine statistics.
This network of 73 stations is designed to protect India's biosecurity at all major international points of entry.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Plant quarantine is a biosecurity measure designed to prevent the introduction and spread of exotic pests, diseases, and weeds into a country.
In India, plant quarantine activities are regulated under the Destructive Insects and Pests Act (DIP Act) of 1914 and the Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order of 2003.
These activities are overseen by the Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage (DPPQ&S), under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
To monitor the import and export of agricultural commodities, India operates a network of Plant Quarantine Stations (PQS) at key international entry points, including seaports, airports, and land borders.
According to official reports from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the DPPQ&S, there are currently 73 Plant Quarantine Stations operating across India.
These stations are located at:
- Major and minor seaports.
- International airports.
- Land frontier stations along international borders (such as those with Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Myanmar).
The staff at these stations inspect agricultural imports, issue phytosanitary certificates for exports, and perform pest risk analyses to prevent the introduction of invasive species (such as the fall armyworm or the potato cyst nematode) into the country.
Therefore, the correct number of stations is 73.

Step 3: Final Answer:
There are currently 73 plant quarantine stations operating across international airports, seaports, and land frontiers in India.