Early Times Report
REASI, Aug 21: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Jammu (SKUAST-J) collaborated with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Reasi to organize an awareness program on Parthenium weed management. The event took place in Aghar Jitto village in Reasi district and was attended enthusiastically by women farmers from the area.
Under the visionary leadership of Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. BN Tripathi, and the guidance of Director Extension (DE), Prof. SK Gupta of SKUAST-J, the program aimed to educate participants about the challenges posed by Parthenium weed. Dr. BR Bazaya, Chief Scientist and Principal Investigator (PI) of All India Co-ordinated Research Project (AICRP) Weed Management, discussed Integrated Parthenium Management. He emphasized that this invasive weed threatens humans, livestock, the environment, and biodiversity. He detailed mechanical, chemical, and biological control methods for managing Parthenium.
Dr. Minakshi Gupta, Professor from the Division of Agronomy, SKUAST-J, highlighted the weed's ability to grow year-round but particularly during the monsoon season. She recommended manual uprooting before flowering and discussed biological control using the Mexican beetle (Zygogramma bicolorata). She also covered techniques for making compost and vermicompost from Parthenium.
Dr. Banarsi Lal, Senior Scientist & Head of KVK, Reasi, welcomed participants and underscored Parthenium's negative impact on human health and agricultural crops. He stressed the importance of community-based efforts to eradicate this invasive weed.
Dr. Suja Nabi Qureshi, Scientist, urged participants to actively engage in eradicating this menace from residential premises and agricultural fields. He emphasized the need for different methods to effectively combat Parthenium's spread.
The event featured an awardee woman farmer, Jyoti Devi. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and seek expert advice on Parthenium weed management. Dr. Suja Nabi Qureshi concluded the program with a formal vote of thanks. |
