ICAR-DWR, Jabalpur Expands Parthenium Outreach through Nationwide Training and Student Engagement

20-21 August 2026, Jabalpur

ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur, strengthened its outreach under the 21st Parthenium Awareness Week-2026 through awareness and training programmes organized on 20–21 August 2026, reaching students, farmers, researchers, extension personnel and other stakeholders.

As part of the campaign, a nationwide online training programme on “Integrated Management of Parthenium hysterophorus”, attracting around 500 participants from across the country. The programme covered the identification, biology, harmful effects and integrated management of Parthenium, emphasizing timely and sustained management.

Student awareness programmes were also organized at the Government M.H. College of Home Science and Science for Women, Jabalpur, and St. Aloysius College, Jabalpur, on 20 and 21 August, respectively, with approximately 600 students and teaching staff. The programmes encouraged students to become “awareness ambassadors.” Students spread awareness about Parthenium through poster competitions and extended this awareness to their families and communities.

Dr J. S. Mishra, Director, ICAR-DWR, emphasized that scientific management of Parthenium must be supported by widespread public awareness and community participation. Drawing an analogy with the Polio Eradication Programme, he called for a sustained, people-centric campaign.

Dr. P. K. Singh, Chairman, PAW-2026, highlighted the occurrence, harmful effects and importance of timely management of the weed.

Representatives from educational institutions were also present and extended their support to the awareness initiatives. Students were urged to become “awareness ambassadors” and encouraged to sensitize at least 50 people about Parthenium.

The technical session covered the integrated management of Parthenium. With institutional support, a nationwide YouTube Live programme was also organized, providing farmers with an interactive platform to raise queries on Parthenium management as well as broader agricultural and crop-management challenges.

(Source: ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur)