The ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur celebrated its 33rd Foundation day on 22nd April, 2021.The Chief Guest, Dr SK Chaudhari, DDG (Natural Resource Management), ICAR eloquently highlighted the journey of the presently known Directorate of Weed Research from its initial days as National Research Centre of Weed Science in a small rented house. He appreciated the research initiatives taken by the Directorate to face the upcoming challenges, and mentioned that due attention will be given to fill up the Directorate’s vacant scientific positions as early as possible. In his Foundation Day Lecture, the renowned weed scientist Dr RK Malik, Senior Agronomist, CIMMYT, highlighted the historical progress of weed science research in the country. He mentioned about the introduction of Zero Tillage in rice-wheat system to manage Phalaris minor, development of herbicide resistance in weeds, management of weed in direct-seeded rice, and also urged about the need of mechanization to face the challenges to manage weeds in coming days.

Dr S Bhaskar, ADG (AAF&CC), ICAR and Dr A K Gogoi, ex-ADG (Agronomy), ICAR applauded the Directorates commendable works and efforts towards development of economic weed management technologies for improving farmers income. The ex-Directors of the Directorate, Dr N T Yaduraju, Dr Jay G Varshney, and Dr A R Sharma appreciated the hard work of the scientific and other staff presently posted, as well as of those who contributed earlier, to bring the Directorate to its present status. Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr J S Mishra, Director, ICAR-DWR stated that the Directorate is working in collaboration with various research institutes, universities, public sector undertakings, industries and progressive farmers. He highlighted the achievements made by the Directorate during preceding year and its contribution towards skill development and capacity building for the farmers and other stake holders.

The various publications of the Directorate were released during the occasion. Best workers of the Directorate in scientific, administrative and supporting categories for the year 2020-21; the staff members who have given more than 25 years of flawless service in the ICAR system; as well as the progressive farmers who whole heartedly cooperated to successfully implement the various programmes were recognized by the Directorate on this day. In view of the Covid-19 pandemic, the programme was conducted on-line in virtual mode. The Directors of several ICAR institutes; the honorable RAC members of the Directorate; scientists and other staff members of the Directorate and as well as of AICRP on Weed Management Centres; and progressive farmers have participated in the event. The programme was anchored by Dr Shobha Sondhia, Principal Scientist; and it ended with the vote of thanks proposed by Dr P K Singh, Principal Scientist.