ASU: Ali, English collaborate to enhance biosecurity for underserved family farms

Two 1890 researchers have teamed up to advance biosecurity for underserved family farms. 

Dr. Emran Ali, Alcorn State University (ASU), and Dr. Henry English, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB,) will work together to advance their groundbreaking project. The project, titled “Education and Application of Portable Crop Disease Detection Technologies to Improve Biosecurity for the Underserved Family Farms in Mississippi & Arkansas.”

The research seeks to address the critical need for early and accurate detection of crop diseases, which can have devastating effects on yields and threaten the livelihoods of small-scale farmers. By leveraging cutting-edge portable technologies, Dr. Ali’s team aims to empower farmers with the tools and knowledge necessary to protect their crops and ensure sustainable agricultural practices.

“We are thrilled and honored to receive this support from the USDA-NIFA. This grant will enable us to bring innovative solutions directly to the farmers who need them most, enhancing their ability to detect and manage crop diseases swiftly and effectively,” said Dr. Emran Ali, lead researcher and project director at Alcorn State University.

The project will focus on three key components: education and training, technology deployment, and support and outreach. Workshops and training sessions will be conducted to educate farmers, agricultural extension agents, and local community members on the use of portable crop disease detection tools. State-of-the-art portable diagnostic devices will be distributed to enable real-time, on-site detection of various crop diseases, reducing the time and cost associated with traditional lab testing. Additionally, a network of support and resources will be established to provide farmers with expert advice, technical assistance, and continuous monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of the technology.

This grant marks a step forward in the fight against crop diseases and highlights the USDA’s commitment to supporting innovative agricultural research that benefits underserved communities. By improving biosecurity and promoting sustainable farming practices, this project has the potential to transform the agricultural landscape in Mississippi and Arkansas, offering new hope and stability to family farms.