TODAY -

Call for co-ordinated involvement of all in the management of harmful weed, Parthenium in Manipur

Dr N Irabanta Singh *



Introduction

Parthenium- the toxic weed is spreading at an alarming rate throughout Manipur Valley specially 0n either side of National and State highways including inter village roads. All parts of the weed at any stage of its growth are toxic to human beings and animals. Ever since 2009, the writer had been studying Parthenium problems in NE India. He tried an integrated approach viz., mechanical, chemical, biological and cultural methods for controlling Parthenium.

But none offers complete eradication of the weed (Irabanta Singh, 2012, 2019 and Irabanta Singh, et.al ,2017). The writer suggests that people’s participation is the only means to eradicate Parthenium from the soil of NE India in general and Manipur in particular (The Sangai Express, June 12, 2019).

In this article, the writer call for co-ordinated involvement of voluntary organisations, like volunteers of National Service Scheme (NSS), extension education through participation approach by farmers, school going students, elected members of PRIs (Panchayati Raj Institutions) and community management programme on this harmful weed in Manipur.

Parthenium Management through NSS Volunteers

The NSS Volunteers from colleges and Universities in Manipur can undertake cleaning of Parthenium in their campuses and surrounding places regularly. The annual camps and special camps are other occasions where they can go out of the campus and serve the public. The workshops, group discussions can provide useful information to the volunteers. They can adopt municipal corporation areas, villages for cleaning the weed.

The annual camps and special camps conducted in rural areas will help them to create awareness in the farming community. Since the involvement of agricultural undergraduate students is another advantage in the effective realization of NSS objectives.

The regular exhibitions and Krishi Melas will be another occasion where farmers will be directly finding solution to their queries for the management of this deadly weed. This will be a real and live example for eradication of Parthenium by the involvement of NSS Volunteers.

Parthenium Management through participatory approach

The participatory approach aims at bringing about change in people’s attitude towards their environment and adoption of interventions for agriculture development. Field survey could be conducted in village involving selected farmers from different district of Manipur.

The percentage of the Parthenium in uncropped areas and problems encountered during weeding and adoption by the farmers could be recorded based on visual observation and also by interviewing the farmers.Participatory approach through school going children can make them familiarise the harmful aspects of Parthenium through awareness programme, training, demonstration, extension bulletins in the regional languages/ dialects.

Recently 50,000 saplings were planted on World environment day (5th June, 2019) involving students from 950 schools and 80 colleges of Manipur. It was organized by the Education Department, Government of Manipur( The Sangai Express, June 7, 2019). It was a good step taken up by the Education Department, Manipur.

Similar awareness programme on the ill effects of Parthenium can be taken up by the Education Department, Manipur that will help us to safe our environment and biodiversity from the harmful effect of Parthenium. However, recruiting school children in large scale Integrated Parthenium Weed Management (IPWM) Programme are quite disturbing in the eyes of any human right activists whether we should push our kids to such risks jobs of manual eradication task? Certainly not (Mahapatroet al.,2010).

Parthenium Management through elected members of PRIs

Assam, Orissa, Haryana and Manipur have two –tier system Panchayati- Raj; viz.,
(i) the Village Panchayat and
(ii) the Panchayat Samiti.

Under Manipur State Panchayat Parishad, there are 6( six) Zilla Parishad Adhyaskshas ( Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Jiribam and Kakching). Further, there are 6(six) Up-Adhyaskshas for 6 (six) Zilla Parishads.

The village Panchayat in Manipur constitutes of 60 Zilla Parishad members including 6 Adhyaskshas and 6 Up-Adhyaskshas. Tha Panchayat Samiti in Manipur comprises of 161 Pradhans, 1553 Ward members, out of which 161 Up- Pradhans are nominated.

The total number of elected members 1774 (60 Zilla Parishad members, out of which 6 Adhyaskshas are nominated, 161 Pradhansand 1553 ward members) constitute Panchayati Raj Institution in Manipur.

The Manipur Panchayat Parishad is comprise of Advisors – 3 in Nos., President -1, Vice President- 2 in Nos., Secretary -1, Auditor -1 and all elected members.

Very recently the Parishad members arranged reception function of newly elected Honourable M.P (Inner Manipur Lok Sabha Constitution) Dr. R.K. Ranjan Singh was held on 10th June, 2019. The writer also attended the function as one of the 3 Advisors.

While delivering his address, the writer took the chance for giving awareness of Parthenium management in Manipur to about 400 elected members present on that function with a request to give message to the populace of Manipur. Along with the lecture, he also distributed an extension bulletin on “Biological based integrated Management of Parthenium” written in Manipuri (Bengali script).

Community Parthenium Management Programme

By arranging campaigns involving Government department, private Organization, local bodies, Educational Institutions, Youth Clubs, Self help Groups and NGOs awareness programmes and demonstration on integrated management practices will help to manage Parthenium successfully and effectively.

Extension strategies for integrated management of Parthenium

i) We have to use well decomposed organic matter made from Parthenium to the field crops. Thus, this will help in reducing the germination of Partheniumweed.
ii) We have to restrict the movement of Parthenium from one place to other after weeding and burnt them on the spot as far as possible or burry in the soil.
iii) We have to remove the Parthenium weed before flowering which reduces the reproduction. This help to keep our environment clean and hygiene.
iv) We have to remove Parthenium plants along with the entire root.
v) We have to remove the weed during rainy season by wearing plastic gloves or covers and also by covering the exposed portion of the body.
vi) We can use Competitive plants like sickle pod – Thounam Macha (Cassia tora L.), etc for suppressing Parthenium. Thus, we need to supply seeds of this plants to the farmers and public at low cost or even free.
vii) We can use post- emergent herbicides glyphosate (1.0-1.5%) for total vegetative control or metribuzing (0.3-0.5%) if grasses are to saved.

Conclusion

Control of Parthenium is to be made through integrated management and lone method does not come under complete control of Parthenium. Management through awareness programme, training, demonstrations, Mass media, extension bulletins are recommended.


* Dr N Irabanta Singh wrote this article for The Sangai Express
The writer is Retd. Professor (HAG)/ Life Sciences, Manipur University, Canchipur and Advisor, Manipur State Panchayat Parishad, Porompat.
This article was posted on July 08, 2019.


* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • 31st Governor Cup Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • PM welcome to Manipur: Feel the reality
  • Kainkhol wins best Social Message Film Award
  • Distortion of facts: Manipur sports movement
  • Govt services reach Manipur's tribal villages
  • 134th Durand Cup Trophies Flag Off
  • COVID-19: Update 05 July 2025 : Manipur
  • How to take care of oily skin in monsoon
  • First-Ever Tripura Esports Championship
  • Konung Kang Chingba #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur Iskcon's 25th Ratha Yatra 2025
  • Native Threshing machine made for farmers
  • COVID-19: Update 04 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Riso Ejang: Youth-led Transformation
  • Include males too in addressing HPV
  • Whispers from the past :: Poem
  • LPU opens permanent outreach centre
  • Raj Bhavan moving on the right track
  • Speculations over PM Modi's visit to state
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #7
  • Make Yourself Visible to Opportunity
  • Orange bowl: tradition with ecological wisdom
  • 10 ways to keep a kitchen garden disease free
  • Between PR, military mandates & AFSPA
  • Allocation fund for MLALAD Fund during PR
  • Denounces Killing of KNA Deputy C-in-C
  • COVID-19: Update 03 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Cases of fake Aadhaar cards
  • Sincere dealing must for stricter Aadhaar
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Shinthoibi, Jangvei, Tamphaton : eMing
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • Solution from Buddhist & Jain perspectives
  • AI sparks employment concerns in Manipur
  • Greatest Foe :: Poem
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Kangpokpi
  • Call for Recognition of a 3rd Category of IDPs
  • Jun 18, 2001- May 3, 2023: Seed of violence
  • Contract scam in hill districts
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #5
  • Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! : Rvw
  • Condemns the Killing of Abdul Qadir
  • COVID-19: Update 17 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Thoubal aspirant makes Manipur proud
  • Tamenglong hospital brings quality healthcare
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Mayang Imphal
  • Kuki CM & Sixth Schedule
  • Selective protests, selective silence
  • Nailing the culprits need of the hour
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Erwin Khundrakpam : NEET-UG 2025 topper
  • Will we rise to #endAIDS challenge or stumble
  • COVID-19: Update 16 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Appeal to Prime Minister: Manipur Crisis
  • Urges Action on Misinformation
  • Condolences : 2 young cabin crew
  • Grateful To Be Alive :: Poem
  • Making bonfire on the roads
  • Aggression yet again, inspite of playing victim
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #2 : Gallery
  • Zomia, geopolitics, & the struggle for unity
  • COVID-19: Update 15 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Condolences : Demise of 2 Manipuri Girls
  • Manipur unites in grief after Air India tragedy
  • Hail arms recovery as step toward peace
  • Cleanliness Drive at JNIMS Campus
  • Global Wind Day for a clean environment
  • First came the rain, then the heat
  • Rise in Covid-19 cases
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • Meetei diaspora in UK runs for Myanmar victim
  • Manipur empower children with disabilities
  • COVID-19: Update 14 June 2025 : Manipur
  • World Blood Donor Day 2025
  • The Power of Poppy - 85 :: Poem
  • A Northeast Gin Makes Its Mark
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Saluting Nganthoi, Lamnunthem : Joining hand
  • Condolence : Nganthoi & Lamnunthem
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #4
  • Namphake Monastery @ Dibrugarh : Gallery
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #1 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025