Monitoring-cum-farmer-scientist interaction programme under Tribal Sub-Plan at Dungaria Village, Mandla

A monitoring-cum-farmer-scientist interaction programme was organized on 25 February 2026 at Dungaria village, Mandla district, under the Tribal Sub-Plan of ICAR-DWR, Jabalpur. The programme witnessed the active participation of 26 beneficiary farmers, including 19 male and 7 female farmers.

During the interaction, scientists reviewed the status of ongoing Rabi crops and deliberated on the major field-level constraints faced by farmers. Key issues included severe weed infestation in wheat and other crops, as well as variability in crop growth. Need-based technical advisories were provided to address emerging weed problems and to strengthen overall crop management practices. Strategic planning for summer blackgram cultivation was also undertaken, with emphasis on timely sowing, suitable variety selection, and integrated weed management strategies.

During field visits to beneficiary farmers’ fields, it was observed that the earlier problematic weeds, such as Lathyrus, wild fenugreek, Phalaris minor, and wild oat, were effectively managed through the application of clodinafop propargyl 15% + metsulfuron methyl 1% WP, supported by proper technical guidance on its timely and proper use. This intervention resulted in a clean, healthy, and well-established wheat crop. Farmers reported that the severe weed infestation experienced in earlier seasons had been successfully controlled. Dr. J. K. Soni, Dr. Jamaludheen A., and Dr. Sahadeo I. K., scientists from ICAR-DWR, also observed marked improvements in the fields during the visit, thereby confirming the effectiveness of the intervention and the technological support provided by ICAR–DWR, Jabalpur.