Awareness drive highlights dangers of invasive weed

A special Parthenium Day was observed at the Regional Horticulture Research and Training Centre, Dhaula Kuan, Sirmaur, with a strong call to action against the spread of the highly invasive and harmful weed Parthenium hysterophorus, commonly known as congress grass or carrot weed. The event aimed to raise awareness about the threats posed by the weed and to promote effective methods for its eradication.

The programme was presided over by the Centre’s Joint Director, Dr Priyanka Thakur, who highlighted the serious ecological and health hazards associated with parthenium. She explained that the weed, originally introduced from America, has spread rapidly across India, damaging crops and affecting both human and animal health. “Its contact can cause severe allergies and other health complications, apart from reducing soil fertility and agricultural productivity,” she cautioned.

Assistant Professors Dr Shilpa and Dr Simran Kashyap, along with staff and field workers, also participated in the programme. Addressing the gathering, Dr Shilpa outlined a range of management strategies, stressing the importance of both biological and mechanical methods for control. She underlined the role of natural suppressants like vernonia and emphasised that community participation was vital to ensure long-term success in eradicating the weed.

The event concluded with a large-scale cleanliness drive within the centre premises, where all participants physically uprooted parthenium plants. A collective pledge was also taken to spread awareness and continue efforts against this invasive species in order to protect the environment and preserve biodiversity.