Gajar Ghas Awareness Day Observed

Congress grass (Parthenium hysterophorus) also known as chatak chadni and gazar ghas awareness day was observed by the scientists and students of this University on September 4, 2004. An awareness rally flagged by Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. K. Singh was also taken out by the students of the University, which passed through all major roads of city Convener of the programme and professor (Weed Science) Dr. A. N. Tiwari said that this menace had come to India from foreign countries around fifty years ago.

Since then, it is growing in residential areas, railway lines, along roadsides and on agricultural land throughout the country. This grass bears small white flowers and usually complete 3-4 round of its life cycle. It should be rooted out and burnt before bearing its flowers. By planting marigold and wild weed (Cassia tora), the growth of congress grass could be checked. This grass leads to itching and asthma problem among human being.

A meeting was also organized in the Committee room of Department of Agronomy. Sri Surya Prakash Mishra City Commissioner, Kanpur was chief guest. Dean Agriculture presided over the meeting.

At the occasion, Dr. A.N. Tiwari highlighted its biology and strategic management under different ecosystems. Dr. Sudhir Kumar, M.D., Associate Professor (Tuberculosis and aspiratory diseases), GSVM medical collage, Kanpur delivered a lecture on the salient points related to allergy caused by the congress grass. Shri Rakesh Jaiswal, eco-friends, Kanpur also expressed the great concern over the menace of Parthenium. Biological control was also exhibited through the beetle. The efficacy of metribuzin and glyphosate against the weed was demonstrated at Students' Instructional Farm for chemical control of this University.

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