22 August 2026, Hyderabad
As part of the nationwide 21st Parthenium Awareness Week–2026, observed from 16th to 22nd August 2026, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ranga Reddy, of ICAR–Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad organized a Parthenium awareness and eradication drive at the KVK Farm, Bhuvan Research Farm, Hayathnagar, Hyderabad, and in KVK-adopted villages including Gaddamallaiahguda, Yacharam Mandal, Maheshwaram Mandal, and Chittapur village in Ranga Reddy District.
The programme aimed to create awareness among farmers, students, staff, and rural communities about the harmful effects of Parthenium hysterophorus, and to promote its early identification, safe removal and integrated management.
The Subject Matter Specialists, Technical Officers, Farm Staff, Officers of line Departments, Rawe Students, and Farmers actively participated in the programme.
During the programme, participants were sensitized about the adverse effects of Parthenium on crop productivity, livestock, human health, biodiversity, and the environment.
The importance of preventing flowering and seed formation, maintaining clean field boundaries and adopting timely weed-management practices was emphasized. Participants actively engaged in the removal and management of Parthenium plants from the KVK farm premises and surrounding areas.
The participants were also educated about Integrated Weed Management (IWM), which involves the combined use of different weed-control methods for effective, economical and sustainable weed management.
The major approaches include preventive methods such as using clean and weed-free seed; mechanical methods such as hand weeding, hoeing and uprooting; cultural methods such as timely sowing and crop rotation; chemical methods using suitable and recommended herbicides; and biological methods using natural enemies or bio-agents.
The programme concluded with an appeal to farmers, students, and rural communities to actively participate in Parthenium management and spread awareness about the harmful effects of this invasive weed.
A total of 282 participants took part in the awareness and field activities.
(Source: ICAR–Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad)
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