ICAR-VPKAS, Almora celebrated the 19th Parthenium Awareness Week

19th Parthenium Awareness Week was organized by ICAR-Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora during 16-22 August 2024 under the guidance of the Dr Laxmikant Ji Director of the Institute. During 16-22 August 2024 Parthenium awareness, uprooting and eradication programme at different sectors of the Hawalbagh farm area was organized. On first day 16 August 2024 the B.Sc. Agriculture RAWE students from Jaipur National University, Jaipur and DSB campus Nainital were sensitized about the students about negative impacts congress grass on crop yield, animal and human health. The students were also told about the physical, chemical and biological control to Parthenium by Dr RP Meena, Scientist. To make the experimental farm free from Parthenium eradication drive was taken up with the active participation of students in agro-forestry block and in front of administrative building.

On 19 August 2024, Parthenium uprooting and eradication programme was organized at Almora Campus of the institute with the cooperation of all the staff members of the Almora campus. At Almora campus residents were sensitized about the Parthenium and its deleterious effect on human and animal health. A Parthenium eradication drive was organized in the residential and non-residential area in the Experimental Farm, Hawalbagh of ICAR-VPKAS, Almora on 20 August 2024. In the Parthenium eradication drive, Institute scientist, technical officers, supporting staff and RAWE students participated. The participants were briefed about the harmful effects of Parthenium. On 21st August 2024, a sensitization program focused on the harmful effects and eradication of the invasive weed Parthenium was conducted at Government Inter College, Hawalbagh, Almora. The event was organized to raise awareness among students and staff about detrimental impacts of Parthenium on human health, animal welfare, and the environment, and to discuss effective methods for its eradication.

On 22 August 2024 a gosthi program on the Parthenium and its management was organized at the experimental farm, Hawalbagh of ICAR-VPKAS, Almora. In the gosthi program Dr Laxmikant, Director ICAR-VPKAS, Almora has urged all the participants to undertake mass removal and awareness programs for complete eradication of the invasive weed Parthenium. He informed the participants that Parthenium has spread to more than 45 tropical and subtropical countries and Climate change will further worsen the spread of invasive species. Dr Amir Kumar has delivered a lecture on the general awareness and management options of the invasive weed Parthenium. All the scientist, technical staff, administrative and supporting staff and RAWE students have participated in the event.