A five-days interstate farmers’ training program on “Advanced Weed Management Strategy” was successfully conducted by the ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur from 9 to 13 December 2024. This program was organized in collaboration with the Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension (SMAE), Agricultural Department, Agra District, Uttar Pradesh, with the participation of 26 progressive farmers and 4 agricultural officers. The program aimed to provide improved knowledge and practical experience in modern weed management techniques to participants. Dr. S.R.K. Singh, Director, ICAR-Agriculture Technology Application Research Institute, Jabalpur, was the Chief Guest in the inaugural session. He emphasized the need to adopt integrated weed management for sustainable agricultural production. Dr. P.K. Singh, Director, ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur, who was also the Course Director, highlighted the objectives of the program and the necessity of innovations in weed control.

The training covered various topics, including biological, chemical, mechanical, and integrated weed management, along with modern techniques like natural farming, conservation agriculture, and precise weed management through drones. Special sessions were conducted on weed management in non-cropped areas and water reservoirs, as well as the use of ICT tools in agriculture. Special attention was given to weed management in millet crops, and farmers were encouraged to include millets in their farming systems. Additionally, pest and disease management options for crops were also discussed. The role of herbicides in soil health, the ecosystem, and their judicious use was also emphasized. Participants visited various facilities, including the JNKVV, Jabalpur, and the Borlaug Institute for South Asia, Jabalpur, along with different facilities of ICAR-DWR, such as the workshop, research farms, OTC, and FACE facilities, Museum-cum-Information Centre, Biological Control Unit, and Phytoremediation Unit. These visits provided practical exposure to participants on advanced agricultural technologies and weed management practices.

Dr. A.K. Vishwakarma, Project Coordinator (Sesame and Niger), ICAR-PC Unit, JNKVV Campus, Jabalpur, was the Chief Guest in the closing ceremony. He emphasized the importance of transferring scientific knowledge to the fields. At the end of the program, certificates were distributed to the participants for successfully completing the training. The event concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the training sponsors, experts, and participants. The program was coordinated by Dr. Chethan C.R. and Dr. J.K. Soni, and the Directorate’s scientists, officials, staff, and students contributed to the success of the event.