DWR Industry Day was organized on 22 March, 2016 at the Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur in order to further strengthen the linkages for effective collaboration with the herbicide industry for testing of new molecules/formulations as well as those dealing with farm machinery, spraying equipments, seed and instrumentation. Dr Shobha Sondhia, Senior Scientist and Convener of this welcomed all the participants and told that Industry day is one of the important day being celebrated by ICAR institutes. Speaking on the occasion, Dr A.R. Sharma, Director, DWR, emphasized that the context of scientific enterprising is changing in the era of globalization and same with the weeds. He said that He told that in current perspective participative mode of action is required for addressing weed challenges in India. Dr Sharma also made an introductory presentation in which he highlighted important research programs, technologies and initiative being taken at DWR, Jabalpur. Dr R.P.Dubey, Principal Scientist of this Directorate gave a brief presentation on the ‘DWR-herbicide industry linkages’ which was followed by discussion with herbicides industries. Concern was raised on safety issues related to way of handling and spraying of herbicides by the farmers.

Farmers from Bharda, Padariya, Tidni, Ghugna, Niwar and Katni villages were also participated in the Industry day program. Farmers raised problem of spurious pesticides, low quality seeds and other plant protection chemicals. Mr. Sajjan Singh Rajpur, from Excel Crop care, Jabalpur told about effectiveness of new formulation of glyphosate (Meera 71%) for weed control under non-cropped area. Representative from BASF herbicide company informed that a new molecule, Toproamizone, commercial product Tynzer is registered and available in the market for commercial use. Mr. Kamal Kishore Sharma from Dhanuka, informed about post-emergence herbicide halosulfuron as a commercial product Sempra, for control of Cyperus rotundus in sugarcane. In discussion, scientists from DWR suggested to herbicide industry persons to orient pesticide dealers to further disseminating knowledge to stakeholder’s about safe use of herbicides and disposal of containers. It was also suggested that some initiative should be made by government to check spurious pesticides in India.

Persons from herbicide Industries such as, BASF, EXCEL, DuPont, IFFCO, Kisan Call centre, Samridhi Paramarsh, Jabalpur, Durga Krishi Kendra, Jabalpur, Dhruv pesticides, Allwin industries, Jabalpur, Gupta Bee Bhandar, Jabalpur, MASCHIO Gaspardo India Pvt Ltd., IFFCO and scientists, technical officers, field technical, students and other staff of DWR actively participated in the program. In the evening, a field to ICAR-DWR farm was organized to all the farmers. Industry day was ended with thanks to all participants. The Industry day was organized by Dr. Shobha Sondhia, Senior Scientist, and vote of thanks was conveyed by Dr P.K. Singh, Pr Scientist.