Celebration of Parthenium Awareness Week at ICAR-NBPGR RS Jodhpur

The Parthenium Awareness week celebrated at ICAR-National Bureau of Plant genetic Resources Regional Station Jodhpur from 16th to 22nd August, 2021. Dr. Vijay Singh Meena, Officer In Charge, ICAR-NBPGR RS Jodhpur briefed about ill effects of Parthenium on human , animal health and biodiversity. He said that in India, it has assumed serious proportions in the cropped and non-cropped lands, city dwellings, rail roadsides and also in institutional areas spoiling the aesthetic, recreational and utility value of the surroundings. Management of this obnoxious weed requires collective and continuous efforts through awareness and adoption of integrated approach. Subsequently, entire staff of the station participated in uprooting live Parthenium plants as a component of “Swatchh Bharat Abhiyan” to ensure a “Parthenium-free campus. The ICAR-NBPGR, RS Jodhpur is now a “Parthenium-free campus”. The entire program of removing Parthenium plants from campus was coordinated by Dr. Kartar Singh (Scientist) ICAR-NBPGR RS Jodhpur. During the whole week various activities were undertaken to remove parthenium weed and create awareness. It includes spraying of weedicide glyphosate, displaying banners etc.

(Source:  Dr V Celia Chalam, Head, Division of Plant Quarantine ICAR-NBPGR)