Parthenium Awareness Programme was conducted on 22 August 2025 under Farmer FIRST Programme at Khukkham, (Kundam), Jabalpur

ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research organized a programme on Parthenium Awareness Week from 16th to 22nd August at ICAR-DWR, Jabalpur. Under this initiative, the Farmer FIRST Programme also organized a Parthenium awareness programme on 22nd August at Khukkham village, Kundam block, Jabalpur, to educate the farmers, local residents, and school children about the harmful effects and control measures of Parthenium.

The programme began with an introduction by Dr. Jamaludheen A., Scientist and Co-PI, followed by a brief overview by Dr. Monika Raghuwanshi, Senior Research Fellow, FFP. Dr. P.K. Mukherjee, Principle Scientist and Principal Investigator, FFP, highlighted that Parthenium hysterophorus is a highly problematic weed spreading rapidly in cropped and non-cropped lands, reducing crop and horticultural productivity and posing a threat to the environment, biodiversity, human health, and livestock.

A demonstration of biological control using the insect Zygogramma bicolorata was carried out, and the insect was also distributed for release in Khukkham, Ranipur, and Padariya villages. Dr. Jamaludheen conducted an interactive quiz for children to enhance their knowledge about Parthenium. The event witnessed active participation of 31 school children and 14 farmers, including 3 female farmers, who also took a pledge to create awareness among the community about the negative effect of Parthenium and to put efforts to control this weed. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Jamaludheen A.