20th Parthenium Awareness Week 2025 Inaugurated at ICAR-DWR Jabalpur

The 20th Parthenium Awareness Week 2025 was inaugurated today at the ICAR–Directorate of Weed Research (ICAR-DWR), Jabalpur, with a Parthenium eradication drive that saw the participation of around 80 staff members. The programme was inaugurated by Dr. J.S. Mishra, Director, ICAR-DWR, who expressed deep concern over the invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus. He cautioned that the weed not only causes heavy crop losses but also poses severe risks to human and animal health.

Dr. Mishra noted that Parthenium thrives year-round, spreading rapidly across vacant lands, industrial areas, roadsides, and residential zones, and is increasingly threatening food crops, vegetables, and horticultural plants. He emphasized its harmful impact on biodiversity and the environment, calling for urgent and coordinated management efforts. Dr. P.K. Singh, Principal Scientist and Coordinator of the awareness programme, elaborated on the weed’s harmful effects and outlined available control measures. He highlighted the successful use of the beetle Zygogramma bicolorata as a biological control agent, which has shown promising results in Jabalpur and other regions.

Dr. Archana Anokhe delivered a detailed presentation on the integrated management of Parthenium. The event concluded with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of scientists Dr. Archana Anokhe, Dr. Deepak Pawar, Dr. J.K. Soni, and Dr. Deeksha M.G, who played key roles in organising the programme along with the active participation of ICAR-DWR scientists, officers, and staff.