ICAR-IISWC, Dehradun Organizes 21th Parthenium Awareness Week

21 August 2026, Dehradun

ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Dehradun organized Parthenium Awareness Week from August 16 to 22, 2026. Under this week long programme, Parthenium awareness day was celebrated today in the institute premises, engaging a total of 50 participants including institute staff.

In this programme, various activities were performed and demonstrated to the participants, such as identification of Parthenium plants, safety measures for eradication of parthenium plants, such as masks, hand gloves, sanitizer, etc., biological control measures, such as the identification of the Mexican beetle (Zygogramma bicolorata), preparation of Parthenium compost etc.

The programme commenced with a briefing on the significance of organising the Parthenium Awareness Programme and the adverse impact of Parthenium weed on croplands, human health, livestock and the overall ecosystem. The participants were apprised of effective physical, biological and chemical management strategies for controlling the weed, along with preventive measures to minimise its harmful effects on humans and animals.

The session also highlighted the potential of Parthenium biomass, particularly before flowering, for preparing nutrient-rich compost. Emphasis was laid on identifying and promoting natural competitors and biological enemies of the weed for its ecological management.

The participants were further sensitised to the safe and beneficial utilisation of Parthenium biomass in soil and water conservation research, as well as its potential use as green manure, live mulch and compost in organic and natural farming systems.

An interactive session followed, during which participants shared their views and raised questions with the experts. The programme concluded with a vote of gratitude, followed by the physical eradication of Parthenium plants growing in the vicinity of the School, undertaken with due safety precautions.

The programme was made successful through the active participation and support of the institute's technical, scientific and project staff. The entire programme was organised under the guidance of the Head, Division of Soil Science and Agronomy, and the Acting Director of the institute.

(Source: ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Dehradun)