ICAR KVK, Tiruvannamalai conducted a Parthenium Awareness Programme was organized at Thennampattu village of Vembakkam Block on 18th August 2026 with the objective of creating awareness among farmers, farm women and rural youth about the harmful effects and management of Parthenium hysterophorus.
The programme motivated on identification, harmful effects, prevention and integrated management of Parthenium weed. Participants were informed that Parthenium is a highly invasive weed that spreads rapidly through seeds and adversely affects agricultural production. The weed was also emphasised as a cause of skin irritation, respiratory problems and allergic reactions in humans and animals. During the programme, a demonstration on Parthenium identification and eradication by spraying salt solution (1kg salt/10 litres of water) was conducted. Participants were advised to remove the weed before flowering and seed formation to prevent further dissemination. Farmers were instructed to use precaution methods for manual removal. Various management approaches such as mechanical removal, cultural practices, biological control and the judicious use of recommended herbicides were also explained. Totally, 35 farmers were encouraged to adopt integrated weed-management practices and prevent the weed from reaching the flowering and seed-setting stage.
