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SDG Served

• SDG 3: Good Health & Well-Being
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 15: Life on Land

School of Agricultural Sciences organized a Parthenium Eradication Drive on campus on 16.9.2026 in support of Parthenium Awareness Week, held nationwide from 16-22nd August annually. This ICAR initiative focuses on educating the public to eradicate Parthenium hysterophorus, an invasive weed, commonly known as parthenium/ congress grass/gajar ghas. In addition to its adverse effect to agricultural ecosystem, the weed triggers multiple health issues, including asthma, dermatitis (skin rashes), fever, etc., alongside toxicity issues in livestock. The students were first introduced to the weed, its biology, mode of dispersal and how to eradicate it. They were also taught about the harmful effects of the weed and its severity to agricultural production and soil health status. Following the introductory session, the students were taken to the field to practice manual removal, safe uprooting practices and biological control to manage it. The students were provided with hand gloves before their active participation in the eradication drive. However, one of the students got allergies on her hand and was immediately provided with first aid following thorough washing of the hand. Overall, the students learnt the importance of the day and the need to keep the environment parthenium-free. They also prepared a few slogans related to the event to create awareness among the fellow students on campus.