Chandel, 21/08/2026: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Chandel, organised a Parthenium Awareness Campaign at Hnatham village, Chandel, as part of the 21st Parthenium Awareness Week, being observed from 16–22 August 2026 across India. The programme aimed to create awareness among farmers and rural communities about the harmful effects of the invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus and the need for its timely management.
The awareness programme comprised an awareness campaign, poster campaign and a practical field activity for clearing parthenium plants from the village area. The activities witnessed active and enthusiastic participation from Ps. Nungjoy, Village Chief of Hnatham, along with the villagers, reflecting the community’s commitment towards maintaining a healthy and weed-free environment.
The KVK Chandel team was led by Dr. A. Ameeta Devi, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Chandel. During the programme, Ts. Leenda Monsang, SMS (Plant Breeding), KVK Chandel, delivered an informative lecture on the harmful effects of parthenium on agricultural crops, livestock and human health. She highlighted that parthenium is a highly invasive weed that competes with crops for essential resources and can adversely affect crop productivity. She also sensitised the participants about the health hazards associated with prolonged exposure to the weed, including skin irritation and respiratory and allergic problems.
The participants were further educated on the importance of early identification, safe removal and proper management of parthenium to prevent its rapid spread and seed production. The poster campaign served as an additional means of communicating key messages on the identification, hazards and management of the weed to the wider community.
The practical clearing activity provided an opportunity for the villagers to actively participate in parthenium management. The collective effort demonstrated the importance of community participation and coordinated action in controlling invasive weeds and protecting agricultural fields as well as the surrounding environment.
KVK Chandel urged the villagers to remain vigilant against the spread of parthenium and to adopt appropriate weed-management practices in and around agricultural fields, roadsides, community areas and other infested locations. The programme concluded with a call for continued community-level efforts to minimise the spread and harmful impacts of parthenium.
The campaign was conducted in observance of the 21st Parthenium Awareness Week (16–22 August 2026), a nationwide initiative aimed at generating awareness about the adverse effects of parthenium and promoting collective efforts for its effective management.
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