Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Ranga Reddy, ICAR-Central Research Institute of Dryland Agriculture in Santoshnagar, Hyderabad (Telangana) conducted the 20 th Parthenium Awareness Week-2025 from August 16 to 22, 2025. This event aimed to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of Parthenium hysterophorus (commonly known as carrot weed, congress grass, gajarghas, or white top) and to discuss its management strategies. Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus), commonly referred to as Gajarghas, Congress grass, or Famine weed, is noted for its similarity to the carrot plant and its aggressive nature as a widespread invasive weed.
A wide array of activities was carried out to spread maximum awareness among the KVK staff members in order to keep the the KVK campus, farm and farmers field Parthenium free.
An awareness campaign was conducted during Parthenium Awareness Week across various villages, KVK farms, Hayathnagar research farm campus, involving approximately 60 B.Sc. RAWE students along with 102 students from the 9th and 10th grades at Vivekananda High School, located in Vinayaka Nagar Colony, Hayathnagar, Ranga Reddy District. Additionally, 121 farmers and 66 farm women from both Ranga Reddy and Vikarabad districts participated.
Dr. Chandrakant M.H., Senior Scientist and Head, inaugurated the Parthenium awareness week by underscoring Parthenium as a widespread invasive weed. He elaborated on its considerable detrimental effects on crops, livestock, and human health, stressing the vital importance of awareness and management for sustainable agricultural practices.
Sri G. Srikrishna, SMS (Horticulture), emphasized practical management techniques, particularly addressing the utilization of bio-control agents (like Zygogramma bicolorata) and the careful application of systemic herbicides for efficient Parthenium management, which included a live demonstration.
Dr. Gautam Veer Chauhan, SMS (Agronomy), delivered a comprehensive overview of Parthenium, emphasizing its identification traits, detrimental impacts, and a range of management strategies such as cultural practices (e.g. crop rotation and competitive cropping), herbicide use, and the novel idea of composting with Parthenium biomass. Additionally, he clarified the principles and techniques of biological control.
Dr. D. Sudheer SMS (Veterinary Science), elaborated the significant harmful impacts of Parthenium on both humans and livestock. He provided examples of dermatitis, respiratory problems, and livestock poisoning, highlighting the public health aspect of this issue.
Dr. Dilip S., SMS (Agril. Extension), emphasized the widespread detrimental impacts of Parthenium and firmly supported the implementation of an integrated weed management (IWM) strategy. He highlighted the importance of utilizing a combination of mechanical (hand pulling, mowing), cultural, and biological control techniques to achieve sustainable and enduring suppression of the weed.
Shri P. Ramakrishna, the Technical Officer, emphasized that Parthenium not only hinders crop production but also becomes a nuisance in non-cropped areas such as residential zones, parks, roadside areas, and railway tracks.
Dr. S. Vijaya Kumar, SMS (Agril. Eng.), also took part in the Swachhta cleaning initiative aimed at eliminating Parthenium weeds. This effort was conducted on the grounds of KVK, Ranga Reddey ICAR-CRIDA, with enthusiastic participation from KVK staff, YPs, farmers, RAWE students, and students from the 9th and 10th grades, all working together to ensure the campus is free of Parthenium.
