Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) is a systematic process used to evaluate the likelihood of introduction, establishment, and potential impacts of pests on agriculture, ecosystems, and trade. It provides a scientific basis for decision-making in plant health and biosecurity by integrating biological, environmental, and economic data. Through risk identification, assessment, and management, PRA helps prevent the spread of invasive species, supports international trade compliance with phytosanitary standards, and safeguards food security and biodiversity. As climate change and global trade increase pest mobility, PRA serves as an essential tool for proactive pest management and policy development, ensuring sustainable agricultural production and environmental protection.

1. Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa,
Samastipur, 848 125, Bihar, India
Presentation
On
Pest risk analysis
Mr. Rabiranjan Sethi
Course Name: Concepts of Integrated Pest Management
Course Name: ENT-508

2. PEST RISK ANALYSIS
o Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) is a systematic process to assess the risk of pest entry, establishment, and spread.
o It helps in identifying and managing harmful pests that may affect plants, agriculture, and biodiversity.
o PRA is essential for making informed decisions on quarantine, trade regulations, and pest control measures.
o It is guided by international standards, especially those of the International Plant Protection Convention
(IPPC) under FAO.
Introduction:
Historical Background:
o The concept of pest regulation emerged in the early 20th century with growing international trade and pest
movement.
o In 1951, the IPPC was adopted, providing a global framework for plant protection and PRA.
o PRA became more structured in the 1990s, especially after the WTO’s SPS Agreement (1995), which
emphasized science-based risk assessments in trade.
o Since then, PRA has become a key tool for biosecurity and international cooperation in pest management.

3. Why is PRA Important?
o To protect the country's agriculture from damage that can be caused by harmful (quarantine) pests which can be
brought in along with imported commodities.
o To evaluate and manage risk from specific pests and internationally traded commodities.
o Identify and assess risks to agricultural and horticultural crops forestry and the environment from plant pests.
o To create lists of regulated pests.
o To produce lists of prohibited plants and plant products, which assist in identifying appropriate management
options.
o Pest: Any species, strain, or biotype of plant, animal, or pathogenic agent injurious to plants or products.
o Quarantine Pest: Pest of economic importance not present or under control in an area.
o Regulated Non-Quarantine Pest: Pest present but managed to reduce its spread.
Key Terms in PRA:

4. Stages of Pest Risk Analysis (PRA)

5. 1. Initiation:
o The process begins when a new pest is detected, a new trade route opens, or when
reviewing an existing policy.
o Identifies the specific pest or pathway (such as a commodity or import) of concern.
o The target area at risk is clearly defined at this stage.
Initiation Points
Not a Pest
Pest or Pathway
for a Pest
Identification of
PRAArea
End

6. o At the end of Stage 1, the pests and pathways of concern and the PRA area would have been
identified.
o Relevant information has been collected and pests have been identified as possible targets for
phytosanitary measures, either individually or in association with a pathway.
2. Pest Risk Assessment:
It could be divided into three steps:
A. Pest Categorization
B. Assessment of the probability of introduction and spread.
C. Assessment of potential economic consequences (including environmental impacts).

7. A. Pest Categorisation:
• Identify quarantine pests.
• Categorise pests (do they occur on the pathway?)
• Prepare data sheets

8. B. Assessment of the probability of introduction and spread.
o Assess the likelihood of entry of a pest (Higher no. of pathways- more probability)
o Assess the likelihood of establishment of a pest after entry (reproductive strategy,
distribution in PRA area, adaptation, and environmental suitability)
o Assess the spread potential of the pest
C. Assessment of potential economic consequences (including environmental impacts).
 Impacts on productivity:
 Yield losses
 Increased control costs
 Post-harvest disinfestations
 Impacts on trade/market access:
 Domestic
 International
 Impacts on the environment
 Impacts on human health

9. 3. Pest Risk Management:
Generate, evaluate, and
compare management
option
Select option
Monitor, evaluate after
implementation
Conclusion of Pest Risk
Assessment
PRA status
Risk acceptable PRA ends
Risk unacceptable PRA Continues

10.  Consider all pathways
• Traded plants or plant products
• Natural spread of the pest
• Entry with human travellers.
• Vehicular transport
• Associate Materials
 Identify points at which mitigation measures might be applied.
 Identify possible mitigation measures at each point.
 Assess each for effectiveness, efficiency, and feasibility.
 Select appropriate measure(s)
 Evaluation
• Effectiveness
• Efficiency
• Cost effectiveness
• Feasibility
• Reproducibility
• Potential negative social, economic or environmental consequences

11.  Documentation
• Phytosanitary Certificates
• Import permits
 Phytosanitary Certificates
• Official assurance that specified import requirements are met
• Confirms that risk management measures have been taken
• Only for regulated articles
 Educate
• Educate & inform travellers, importers, industry, government or public

12. How PRA operated in India
 Pest Risk Analysis is mandatory for importing any plant or plant materials.
 The Import Permit issuing authorities shall issue permits for commodities specified in
 Schedule-V
 Schedule-VI
 Schedule VII of the PQ Order, 2003, for which PRA has already been done.

13. References..
ISPM 11 Pest risk analysis for quarantine pests, including analysis of environmental risks and living
modified organisms http://www.ippc.int/IPP/En/ispm.htm
ISPM 8 Determination of pest status in an area http://www.ippc.int/IPP/En/ispm.htm
WTO 1995, Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures
Biosecurity Australia, September 2001. Draft guidelines for Import Risk Analysis (Draft)
Devorshak, C. and Griffin, R. (2002). Role and relationship of official and scientific information concerning
pest status.
In G.J. Hallman and C.P. Scwalbe (eds.) Invasive arthropods in agriculture: problems and solutions.
Scientific Publishers, Enfield, NH.

14. THANK YOU