The ICAR–Central Institute for Cotton Research (ICAR-CICR), Nagpur, is observing the 21st Parthenium Awareness Week from August 16 to 22, 2026, with a special emphasis on creating awareness about the harmful effects and effective management of Parthenium hysterophorus, commonly known as Gajar ghas or carrot weed. As part of the observance, a special Parthenium eradication drive was organised in and around the institute campus. Scientific, technical, administrative, supporting and contractual staff, along with students, actively participated in the campaign and undertook the removal of Parthenium plants from different areas of the institute. Parthenium hysterophorus is an invasive alien weed that poses a serious threat to agriculture, human and animal health, grazing lands and biodiversity. The weed has spread extensively across different parts of India due to its high reproductive potential and prolific seed production.

 

Apart from reducing agricultural productivity and suppressing native vegetation, Parthenium is known to cause allergic reactions such as dermatitis, asthma and bronchitis in humans and may adversely affect livestock and grazing resources. Addressing the participants, Dr V N Waghmare, Director, ICAR-CICR, Nagpur, emphasized the importance of timely removal and management of Parthenium, particularly before flowering and seed setting, to prevent its further spread. He also highlighted the significance of Parthenium management in the context of the emerging Tobacco Streak Virus (TSV) disease in cotton-growing regions of Central and Southern India, as effective weed management can contribute to reducing potential sources associated with disease epidemiology. Speaking on the occasion, Dr A S Tayde stressed the importance of collective action involving farmers, school children, local communities and institutions for the sustainable management of Parthenium.

 

The programme was also attended by Dr G T Behere, Dr Vinita Gotmare and Dr Blaize Desouza who appreciated the active participation of the institute staff and emphasized the need for sustained community-level efforts to prevent the spread of this invasive weed. The programme was successfully coordinated by Dr Ramkrushna G.I., Senior Scientist (Agronomy), ICAR-CICR, Nagpur. The observance reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to promoting awareness and encouraging collective action for the effective and sustainable management of Parthenium.