Almora. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan (ICAR-VPKAS), Almora successfully organized the 20th Parthenium (Congress Grass) Awareness Week from 19 to 22 August 2025, under the guidance of the Institute’s Director Dr. Lakshmikant.
During this week, multiple awareness and eradication programs on Parthenium hysterophorus (locally known as Gajar Ghaas) were carried out across the Hawalbagh farm and adjoining areas.
🔸 19 August: Students of B.Sc. Agriculture (RAWE), DSB Campus, Nainital, were sensitized about the adverse impacts of parthenium on crop production, livestock, and human health. A two-hour eradication drive was also conducted in different farm areas.
🔸 20 August: An eradication and awareness program was held at the ICAR-VPKAS campus, Almora.
🔸 21 August: A special drive was conducted in the Hawalbagh residential colony, where residents were informed about the harmful effects of parthenium and eradication work was undertaken.
🔸 22 August: At Gyan Vigyan Children’s Academy, Hawalbagh, Almora, students and staff were sensitized about the harmful effects of parthenium on human health, animal welfare, and the environment, along with effective eradication methods. On the same day, a seminar on parthenium awareness was organized at the experimental farm, Hawalbagh.
Addressing the seminar, Acting Director Dr. Krishnkant Mishra highlighted the health problems caused by parthenium in humans and animals, loss of crop productivity, and threats to biodiversity. He informed participants that this invasive weed has already spread to over 45 tropical and subtropical countries and that its aggressiveness may increase further due to climate change. He appealed to all for large-scale eradication and continuous awareness efforts.
Senior Scientist Dr. Prakash Chand Ghasal delivered a lecture on general awareness and management options for parthenium. The event witnessed active participation from all scientists, technical staff, administrative employees, support staff, and RAWE students of the institute.
The program was conducted by Scientist Dr. Amit Kumar.
