As a part of study tour, 70 students of B.Sc. 1st year, from Shri Ram College of Commerce, Jabalpur visited ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur on 22nd February, 2022. The students, accompanied by four teachers (Dr. Shrikanta Awasti, Dr. Nidhi Khare, Smt. Aarti Sharma and Dr. Alka Kumari), reported at 11:00 am at the Directorate. They were guided by Dr. Deepak Pawar, Scientist, Dr. Himanshu Mahawar, Scientist, Mr. Dibakar Roy, Scientist, and Mr. K. K. Tiwari, Tech. Officer.

Beginning from the conservation agriculture fields demonstration, followed by engineering workshop, organic farming fields, composting unit, FACE facility, OTC chambers, containment facility, lysimeter unit and aquatic weed tanks. Being from biotechnology, botany and zoology discipline, the students were fascinated to visit biotechnology and microbiology laboratories where they were briefed about various instruments like PCR machine, spectrophotometer, gel documentation system, IRGA photosynthesis system, laminar air flow, etc., their principles and applications. The students also visited the ‘Information Centre’ of the Directorate, where they were acquainted by Dr. P. K. Singh, Pr. Scientist about the major areas of research undertaken at Directorate, its history, and weed management practices including different cultural, mechanical, chemical and biological methods.

They were detailed about the phytoremediation unit’s working principle and how different weeds can be effectively utilized for treatment of polluted water. An exposure about important weeds of field crops was given to the students. The students were briefed about the importance of conservation agriculture and its role in minimizing residue burning and greenhouse gas emission (GHGs), especially CH4 and N2O emission from crop field were highlighted. They were also taken to the composting unit and were explained about its working and advantages. The entire visit was interactive with many queries from the students and a wonderful study tour from their perspective to expand their know-how about weeds, their management practices, conservation agriculture, climate resilient agriculture, instrumentations, etc.