Dr. S. K. Chaudhari, DDG (NRM), ICAR graced the inaugural session as the Chief Guest and Dr. S. Bhaskar, ADG (Agro., AF & CC), ICAR as Guest of Honour. Dr. Samunder Singh, Ex. Prof & Head Agronomy, CCS HAU, Hisar and President of International Weed Science Society, Dr, R, M, Kathiresan, Professor, Department of Agronomy, Annamalai University, Annamalai nagar, Tamil Nadu, were the invited as experts. Dr. J. S. Mishra, Director, ICAR-DWR in his opening remarks welcomed all the dignitaries, distinguished and eminent scientists from ICAR Headquarters, other ICAR Institutes, Universities and Private Agencies, PIs and scientists of different AICRP centers, ICAR-DWR.. He also made a brief presentation on the salient research findings achieved by the different AICRP centers. The coordinating Centre at Anand Agricultural University, Anand received the Best Centre Award (2020). Dr S Bhaskar ADG (A, AF & CC), ICAR in his remarks stressed on the need to intensify research on weed control aspect of DSR and shift in weed flora in conservation agriculture. He also emphasized on mapping of invasive weeds, parasitic weeds and aquatic weeds. He urged the scientists to work on training and awareness on safe use of herbicides, advanced technique of herbicide application.

Dr. A. K. Singh, Director, ICAR-IARI informed the house about the development of two basmati background herbicide tolerant rice varieties against imazethapyr and also requested ICAR-DWR for collaborative efforts in preparation of complete dossier for expansion of label claim on these varieties. He acknowledged the help received from ICAR-DWR while developing these varieties. Dr S. K. Chaudhari, DDG (NRM), ICAR in his remarks emphasized to find out the best environmental friendly possible strategies for managing weeds successfully so that losses could be reduced from 33% to below 10% level. He also stressed on the need of concerted research work on weed dynamics, biology and eco-physiology of crop-weed interaction, shift in weed flora in different agro-ecosystems especially in high input intensive agriculture under climate change regime, herbicide resistance in weeds, herbicide residue hazard and environmental impact, weed risk assessment, weedy rice, weed management in CA, DSR and organic agriculture, bio-control measures etc. and also discussed the policy issues for sustainable weed management

Progress and research achievements of seventeen regular centers and seven voluntary centers were presented by the Principal Investigators in four respective technical sessions and detailed discussion was held on the results presented by the PIs. Plenary session was graced by Dr S Bhaskar, ADG (Agro., AF & CC), ICAR as Chief Guest. Rapporteurs of each technical session presented an overview of their respective sessions. Dr. Samunder Singh stressed the need of conducting more survey and identification of new emerging weeds. Dr. R.M. Kathiresan suggested carrying out more research on weeds of national significance especially on aquatic, cropped and non-cropped areas. Dr. S. Bhaskar congratulated DWR for nicely conducting the ARM in virtual mode. He suggested undertaking effective monitoring of the centers. He mentioned about the need of human resource development in weed science. During this session Dr. B.D Patel, PI, AAU, Anand, Dr. Neelam Sharma, PI, CSKHPKV, Palampur and Sh. O.N. Tiwari, ACTO, ICAR-DWR were felicitated on their superannuation. The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. R.P. Dubey, In-charge, AICRP-WM and Dr. P.K. Mukherjee, Principal Scientist, ICAR-DWR during the inaugural and plenary sessions, respectively.