A three-day Training programme on “Weed Management in Millets and other Crops and Spray Techniques for Herbicides” was inaugurated at ICAR-DWR, Jabalpur on 01 January 2025. The training is being organized under the Farmer First Program (FFP) to enhance farmers’ knowledge and skills on weed management technologies in field crops and herbicides application techniques. Altogether 24 famers, among them 4 Mahila Kishan, from FFP adopted villages of Khukkham and Ranipur of Kundam block of Jabalpur attended the inaugural session. At the outset, Dr. P. K. Mukherjee, Principal Scientist and Principal Investigator, welcomed the farmers and other scientists of the directorate, and outlined the objectives and different technical sessions of the training programme.

Director of ICAR-DWR, Dr. J. S. Mishra mentioned the significance of initiating this training programmre on this day. In his address, he sensitised the farmers on weed management technologies, which will be the game changer in terms of reducing crop losses due to weeds if the technologies are adopted with right application techniques. Taking precaution during application of herbicides is very important for the health of the farmers, he added. He also highlighted the significance of integrated weed management IWM) in crop production and given valuable insights of IWM to the farmers. An interactive discussion was initiated by Dr. P. K. Singh, Principal scientist, in which he discussed about the constraints in weed management in several crops and provided potential solutions to the farmers. At the conclusion of the inaugural session, 24 advanced dual-purpose sprayers (battery and manually operated) were distributed to the participating farmers.

At the end of the session, Dr. V. K. Chaudhary, Principle Scientist and Co-PI, proposed the vote of thanks. The inaugural session was coordinated by Dr. Deepak Pawar, Scientist and Co-PI, Er Chethan C R, Scientist and Co-PI and Ms. Monika Raghuwanshi, SRF.