ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur celebrated ‘Agriculture Education Day’ on 03 Dec, 2017 to give children a basic exposure to agriculture education and opportunities in the agricultural research. At the outset, Dr. Sushil Kumar, Convener of the programme explained in his welcome address about the importance of the Day. He informed that the programme is being attended by school children from Sagda and Belkhadu villages of two different localities of Jabalpur district which were adopted under ‘MeraGaonMera Gaurav’ programme by the Directorate.

Dr. P.K. Singh, Director, ICAR-DWR, Jabalpur informed the students that as per the instruction from ICAR, this programme is being organized in all institutes of ICAR in the memory of Dr Rajendra Prasad, who was the country’s first agriculture minister as well as the first president of independent India. The students were informed about the various opportunities they could utilise by getting education in agriculture system. They were also told about ICAR setup and agricultural system working in the country. Dr. Subhash Chander, Scientist (Economic Botany), ICAR-DWR also gave talk on ‘Economically important weeds’. On this occasion, three videos on advancement in weed management developed by ICAR-DWR were also displayed. Dr. Chetan, Scientist, ICAR-DWR also informed the farmers about the safety measures to be taken during the spray of pesticides.

Visits to laboratories, information centre and research fields were also organized to mark the day. Students interacted with scientists and staff spontaneously on various aspects of agriculture science during presentations made during lab and field visit. The programme ended with vote of thanks given by Dr. Yogita Gharde, Scientist & Co-convener of the programme.