Farmers’ sensitized on Parthenium weed mgmt

Jammu Tawi: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Reasi of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Jammu (SKUAST-J) organized awareness programme on Parthenium weed management here at Aghar Jitto village in Reasi distt. which was attended by the number of farm women of the area. The programme was organized under the guidance and supervision of Director Extension (DE) of SKUAST-J, Prof.SK Gupta. All the SOPs pertaining to COVID-19 pandemic were strictly followed while conducting the programme. The programme was started by Scientist & Head of KVK, Reasi, Dr. Banarsi Lal with the warm welcome of the participants. He spoke in length on Integrated Parthenium Management and said that the Parthenium hysterophorus (congress grass) is an invasive, poisonous, pernicious, problematic, allergic, aggressive and deadly weed which is posing a serious threat to human beings, livestock, environment and biodiversity. He stressed on the community based efforts to eradicate this cosmopolitan weed. Dr.Banarsi elaborated the mechanical, chemical and biological control measures of the Parthenium. He informed that this weed has the ability to grow throughout the year in one or other vegetative or reproductive phases but maximum growth occurs during monsoon season. He stressed on controlling the weed by manually uprooting it before flowering. He also spoke on the biological control of this weed and said that it can also be controlled by the use of bio- agent Mexican beetle (Zygogramma bicolorata) which is a natural, self-sustaining and inexpensive control measure. He also discussed on the compost and vermicompost making technique from Parthenium. The programme was assisted by Manohar Lal and Parbhat Singh and concluded by Dr. Banarsi Lal with formal vote of thanks.