HT Correspondent
NAGAON, June 23: An awareness programme on the eradication of Parthenium hysterophorus, a highly invasive and harmful weed, was held at Uriagaon Bypass Chariali in Nagaon on Monday.
The event was organised by the Zonal Research Station, Shillongani, in collaboration with the Assam government, Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Jorhat, the district administration, and the Agriculture Department.
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District Commissioner Debashish Sarma, scientists from the Zonal Research Station and AAU, and local residents participated in the programme. The event began with a welcome address by Dr Hiranya Kr Borah, Chief Scientist of Zonal Research Station, Shillongani. Dr Niranjan Deka, Principal Scientist, mentored the programme.
Dr Mrinal Saikia, Associate Director of Research (Agriculture), AAU, and Dr Prasanna Kumar Pathak, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, also addressed the gathering and expressed concern over the growing threat posed by Parthenium in Assam.
Speaking at the event, DC Debashish Sarma highlighted the dangers of Parthenium hysterophorus, noting its adverse impact on agriculture, the environment, and human health.
He said the weed causes skin allergies, respiratory problems, and asthma, and also affects livestock by reducing milk production.
The awareness programme focused on educating the public about the harmful effects of the weed and the urgent need for its eradication.
Participants were encouraged to use social media to spread awareness and promote control measures.
As part of the initiative, the Zonal Research Station has launched a four-day campaign from June 23 to 26 across Nagaon and Morigaon districts.
The campaign will include awareness drives, weed removal activities, and the application of biological control methods.
Officials from the district administration, Agriculture Department, Animal Husbandry Department, Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ASRLM), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and scientists from AAU and the Zonal Research Station were present at the event.
