Port Blair, Aug 23: Regional Station, Minicoy of ICAR-CIARI Port Blair, conducted “Parthenium awareness week” and sensitization on its integrated management for the school students and tribal farmers of Minicoy from 16th to 22nd August 2022.
On 20th August 2022, during the programme the Chief Guest Mr. Ibrahim Manikfan L.G., District Panchayat Representative, Lakshadweep Islands expressed his happiness about the new initiative of ICAR-CIARI Regional Station, Minicoy. He also expressed his views on parthenium’s harmful effects on humans and other animals and its impact on soil productivity and biodiversity. The scientific team comprised of Dr.Gladston Y and Dr.Ajina S. M interacted with the school students and teachers and impressed on the subject namely integrated management of parthenium, how to eradicate parthenium by uprooting, biological control and composting. Mr. Shareefuddeen Hassan, Senior Technical Assistant and Mr. Arif M.I., Senior Technician the Coordinator of the programme informed about the technical know-how and how the participants in ‘Mahl’ (the local language).
An on-station demonstration was also carried out on composting of parthenium in participatory mode. The students and teachers were also exposed to farms and other technologies of ICAR-CIARI, RS Minicoy. A total of 25 students and 4 teachers participated in the programme.
The scientific team visited Bada, Aoumagu, Boduathiri, New Boduathiri, Rammedu, Sadivalu, Aloodi, Funhilol, Kudehi, Fallessery and Kendiparty villages and South Pandaram and conducted awareness on the harmful effects of parthenium and its management during the period. A total of 35 males and 40 females totaling 75 participated.
Dr.Gladston Y., Convener and Co-Convenors Mrs. Ajina S.M., Coordinator Mr.Shareefuddeen Hassan andMr.Arif M.I., Dr.S.K. Zamir Ahmed, Nodal Officer, Lakshadweep coordinated the overall conduct of programme under the Chairmanship of Dr.Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair.
