17th Parthenium Awareness Week observed
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 26 2022: Bharat Vikas Parishad (BVP) Manipur Prant, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Imphal East in collaboration with Bhartiya Kisan Sangh, Manipur Prant observed the 17th Parthenium Awareness Week on the theme Join Hands to eliminate Parthenium to save health, environment and biodiversity', at Sawombung and Pungdongbam on Friday.

During the observance, the farmers were informed about the preventive measures against parthenium followed by distribution of sprayers and weedicides to 60 farmers by Lamlai MLA Kh Ibomcha.

KVK head (in-charge) senior scientist Soram Molibala gave a lecture on the effects of parthenium and methods of controlling the same.

Posters highlighting the impact of parthenium were also displayed.

In his speech, CAU ex-VC and BVP national chairman (environment) Prof M Premjit explained that parthenium is an alien weed species and was accidently introduced via a wheat consignment brought to India from USA in early 1960s.Afterwards, the weed spread uncontrollably as an invasive and toxic species, which is harmful to humans and other living beings.

The weed causes skin allergy, hay fever, respiratory problems in addition to affecting the agricultural yield, he informed.

Regional patron BVP Prof S Rajendra arid general secretary BKS Telem Dada also attended the observance.

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