Central Horticultural Experiment Station, ICAR-IIHR, Bhubaneswar observed “Parthenium Awareness Week” during 16-22 August, 2021 following Covid protocols like maintaining social distance, wearing mask etc.
On 16th August 2021, Dr G C Acharya, Incharge head of the station spoke about the harmful impact of parthenium to environment, Agriculture production and human health and need for complete eradication of parthenium in the surroundings. Staffs including outsourced personnel, agril field workers were present in the programme. Officials like Dr M R Sahoo, Principal Scientist, Sri Satypriya Singh, Scientists, Sri S Mjahi, Technical Officer and Nodal-officer, Swachha Bharat were also spoke during the prpgramme. Mr. M.K.Pattnaik, TA & member, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan demonstrated the species to the gatherings. Emphasis was given for a parthenium-free campus. Initially the staff were connected to a web meeting on the topic “Parthenium Awareness cum Eradication programme at ICAR-IIHR” by Dr. V. Sridhar, Principal Scientist (Agril. Entomology).
Even though the occurrence of parthenium was very less in the farm area, due to earlier efforts made during last 3-4 years, whatever found was eradicated manually and biomass was dumped in compost pit for making manure.
The programme was co-ordinated by Sri S Majhi, TO & Nodal Officer, Swachha Bharat with support from Sri M K Pattanaik, TA; Sri A Das, TA, Sri P C Majhi, TA and Sri B C Patra, TA and other staff under the supervision of Head IC, CHES, ICAR-IIHR, Dr G C Acharya
