The four days (21-24 November 2018) International Conference “Weed and Society: Challenges and Opportunities” was organized to mark Golden Jubilee Year of foundation of Indian Society of Weed Science at ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur. In this conference, more than 400 scientists and researchers from different parts of the country and overseas had participated. The conference was inaugurated by Dr. Jonathan Gressel, world renounced Emeritus weed Scientist from Israel, Dr. P.D. Juyal, Vice-chancellor, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University and Dr. G.R. Rao, Director, TFRI, (ICFRE) Jabalpur was special guests. Dr. P.K. Singh, Director, ICAR-DWR, Jabalpur, Smt. Dr.Mildred Xess, General Manager, NABARD, Dr. V.P. Singh, President ISWS and Dr. Sushil Kumar organizing secretary of the international conference were grace the occasion. During the conference more than 400 scientists including delegates from Israel, USA, Australia and Japan has presented their research work on different dimensions of weed management. In inauguration session Dr. P.K. Singh, Director, DWR, Jabalpur while welcoming the dignitaries and participants, informed the house about harmful effect of weeds and methods to get rid of those weeds. He also highlighted the loss of 11 billion US $ in 10 major crops only due to weeds, Dr. Singh explained about various aspect of weed management and expressed his concern over increasing population and declining productivity. Dr. V.P. Singh, Presidents, ISWS, highlighted the problem of weeds in different crops and cropping system including non-cropped situations, he also raised the issues of herbicide resistance in different weeds and it becomes mandatory to initiate effective management to control it. He urged the delegates to actively participate in and get the maximum advantage of this conference.

Dr. P D. Juyal, Vice-chancellor, NDVSU, Jabalpur while explaining about optimum use of various dimensions of weed management talked about integrated health which includes health of human, animal and environment. Dr. Mildred Xess, informed about effect of weeds and use of beneficial weeds and various initiatives of NABARD in rural area. Dr. G.R. Rao, Director,TFRI emphasized about research and development of Nano-herbicides and its use to control weeds. He also mentioned about loss in forest due weeds. Various awards of society were given to the deserving candidates. In technical session presentation by plenary speaker, lead speaker and also oral presentation was made by researcher from India and abroad. In their presentation all has shown their concern about weeds in different crops and cropping system and also in non-cropped area, and aquatic eco-system. During technical sessions, a special session was also organized for young researcher and students for conducting research and writing scientific papers and it was appreciated by all. All the sessions were very informative and majority of delegates were took part in interactions and learnt about new thoughts and research is being going on globally.

On 24th November 2018, during concluding ceremony of International Conference Dr. Valraj Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Agriculture University, Jodhpur acted as chief guest, Dr, V.P. Singh, President ISWS and Dr. P.K. Singh, Director were special guests. Chief guest Dr. Valraj Singh said that conferences remains worthy for scientists, researchers, students working on different aspects. Such conferences are real platform that helps scientists, researchers, and students to present their research work and also seek expert advises from people working in different levels. He also described about ongoing work in weed control sector and given updates about the losses occurred while also commented on different aspects of losses. ISWS president Dr. V.P. Singh expressed his gratitude to more than 400 delegates coming across the globe and presented their work in the field of weed science. He also apprises about special facilities given to students by society. ISWS Secretary, Dr. Sushil Kumar informed that during the conference eminent scientists working in field of weed control while scientists from Israel, America, Japan and Australia shared their work and research. In valedictory programme best posters of different theme were awarded and declared travel grant certificate to winners followed by vote of thanks.