Observation of 20th Parthenium Awareness Week at ICAR-CRRI, Cuttack (16–22 August, 2025)
ICAR-Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack observed the 20th Parthenium Awareness Week from 16-22 August, 2025, as per the directions of Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR, New Delhi. The programme aimed to create awareness on the harmful effects of Parthenium hysterophorus (Carrot weed/Congress grass) on human and animal health, environment, and agriculture. Cleaning drives were conducted in the institute campus on 21st August and 22nd August along with an awareness rally at Bhadimul village on 21st August, 2025. On 22nd August, 2025, Dr. Sushmita Munda, Senior Scientist (Agronomy) delivered a lecture on “Alternative Uses of Parthenium”. The session was presided over by Dr. Sanghamitra Samantaray, Director, ICAR-CRRI, Cuttack. She encouraged scientists to explore utilizing Parthenium for various research applications in rice. The program also featured remarks from Dr. Annie Poonam, Head of the Crop Production Division (CPD), who detailed the numerous harmful effects of Parthenium. Adding a unique perspective, Dr. Sutapa Sarkar, Scientist, CID, shared her personal experience during her undergraduate studies on the feeding activity of Zygogramma bicolorata on Parthenium. The activities were coordinated by Dr. B. Raghavendra Goud, Scientist, Crop Production and members of Swacch Bharat Committee.
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