ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur celebrated 28th Foundation Day on 22nd April, 2016. This memorable occasion was graced by the presence of Chief Guest, Dr. Gurbachan Singh, Chairman, ASRB, ICAR, New Delhi. Dr. V.S. Tomar, Vice Chancellor, JNKVV, Jabalpur and Professor P.D. Juyal, Vice Chancellor, NDVSU, Jabalpur were also present as ‘Guest of Honour’, besides a galaxy of invited scientists from JNKVV and NDVSU, Jabalpur. The programme started with the visit to the research farm by the dignitaries. Dr. A.R. Sharma, Director explained various initiatives taken for developing the farm of the Directorate based on principles of conservation agriculture. Dr. Gurbachan Singh was impressed to see the entire farm area grown with summer greengram, and congratulated the staff for achieving 300% cropping intensity and adopting zero-tillage cultivation in all the crops in the entire farm. Dignitaries planted a sapling of sandalwood, followed by the laying of foundation stone of Training-cum-Farmers Hostel by the Chief Guest. The dignitaries also visited the newly renovated Information Centre of the Directorate.

Foundation Day Programme was attended by all the staff of the Directorate in the Conference Hall. After a formal welcome of the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour, Dr. A.R. Sharma, Director presented an account of the salient achievements and new initiatives undertaken during 2015. He mentioned about the achievements made for weed control in maize with new post-emergence herbicide molecules, adoption of 20 villages in 4 districts of Madhya Pradesh under ‘Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav’ programme, organization of ‘World Soil Day’ and 25th Asian-Pacific Weed Science Society Conference. He informed that Directorate farm has acquired the ‘unique distinction’ of 300% cropping intensity and complete adoption of conservation agriculture-based technologies, which is a first for any institute in the ICAR / SAU system.

Dr. Gurbachan Singh greeted the staff on the Foundation Day and mentioned that it is a special occasion to analyze the progress made and set targets for the coming years. He highlighted emerging issues in Indian agriculture, and suggested to undertake research on weed management related to the following: (i) climate resilient agriculture, (ii) integrated farming system, (iii) weed management in pulses and horticultural crops, (iv) weed management in organic farming, (v) exploitation of medicinal values of weeds, (vi) utilization of wastelands infested with weeds, and (vii) precision irrigation and weed dynamics. He suggested to undertake long-term experiments involving all important crops of the region and study all relevant parameters by involving scientists of different disciplines. He asked scientists to undertake research which is pro-active, anticipatory, problem-solving, result-oriented and farmer participatory, and in a network mode. He emphasized on bridging the yield gap while working with farmers and solving the problems in real field situations. Dr. V.S. Tomar, Vice Chancellor, JNVV, Jabalpur and Prof. P.D. Juyal, Vice Chancellor, NDVSU, Jabalpur also greeted the staff on this occasion and appreciated the contributions made by the Directorate. Best Worker Awards were conferred for 2015 based on the outstanding contributions made by the staff members in different categories: Dr. Bhumesh Kumar, Sr. Scientist (Scientific category); Shri Pankaj Shukla, Technical Officer (Technical category); Shri Takeshwar Lakhera, Assistant (Administrative category) and Shri Mohanlal Dubey (Skilled supporting staff category). Three farmers, Shri Lakhan Patel, village Mudia; Shri Brajesh Vishvakarma, village Jatwan; and Shri Kamlesh Garg, village Padaria were also honoured for adopting weed management and conservation agriculture-based technologies on large-scale and setting example for other farmers in the Jabalpur region. Three publications were released: (i) DWR glorious 25 years (1989-2014); (ii) Herbicide Use in Indian Agriculture, and (iii) Herbicide Residue Analysis. In the evening, a cultural programme was organized wherein noted Kavis (poets) of Jabalpur - Katni recited their poems on current topics and entertained staff members and their families. This was followed by Foundation Day dinner at the lawns of the beautifully decorated Directorate. The event was covered widely in the local press and electronic media.