On August 22, 2024, forenoon the 19th Parthenium Awareness Programme was successfully held at St. Aloysius College in Jabalpur, organized by the ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research (DWR), Jabalpur. The event saw enthusiastic involvement from 150 students and faculty members of the university. The Nature Club at St. Aloysius College hosted a special session where scientists and students gathered to discuss the issues caused by Parthenium invasion. Dr. Fr. J. Ben Anton Rose, Principal of St. Aloysius College, was the chief guest and encouraged students to focus on significant environmental changes, emphasizing their potential as future research topics. Dr. J. S. Mishra, Director of ICAR-DWR, shared updates on current research aimed at controlling Parthenium and underscored the impact of climate change on its proliferation. Students were educated on biological control agents, such as the Mexican beetle (Zygogramma bicolorata), with live demonstrations. Dr. P. K. Singh engaged with the students, addressing their queries. The event concluded with the distribution of Mexican beetles, mass-reared by ICAR-DWR, to students for release in areas near their homes where Parthenium infestations were present.

In the afternoon, the Parthenium Awareness Programme continued at Mahakaushal University, Jabalpur, drawing participation from around 100 students and 100 farmers. Dr. R. C. Mishra, Vice-Chancellor of Mahakaushal University, addressed the audience, highlighting the vital role of the farming community in India's economy. Dr. P. K. Singh informed attendees about the adverse effects of Parthenium on crops, humans, and livestock. Dr. J. S. Mishra, Director of ICAR-DWR, discussed the necessary actions individuals must take to help eradicate Parthenium from their environment. Following the presentations, Mexican beetles were distributed to students and farmers, accompanied by a live demonstration of beetle release at the university. This practical demonstration provided farmers with the knowledge to successfully implement beetle releases in their villages.

A YouTube live session was hosted by the ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research (DWR), Jabalpur, in collaboration with Reliance Foundation, from 4:30 to 5:30 PM. The event featured a live phone-in segment where approximately 30 farmers from Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka participated, discussing their concerns with experts. Among the panel were Dr. J. S. Mishra, Director of ICAR-DWR, Dr. P. K. Singh, Chairman of Parthenium Awareness Week, and scientists Dr. Archana Anokhe, Dr. Deepak Pawar, Dr. Jithendra Soni, and Dr. Deeksha M.G. The session garnered a viewership of 415 people.