Dr. J.S. Samra, Former Deputy Director General (NRM) and Chief Executive Officer, National Rainfed Area Authority, Government of India visited ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research (ICAR-DWR), Jabalpur on 28-29 January 2017. Dr. A.R. Sharma, Director, DWR welcomed the Chief guest and presented the highlights of current projects and development in DWR through power point presentation. Dr. J.S. Samra addressed the DWR scientists and staff on 28th January 2017. He recalled his early visits of the institute when he was DDG (NRM) and shared his memories with the initial establishment and gradual development of ICAR-DWR. Dr. Samra expressed his happiness to see the drastic change in the Directorate in terms of research and infrastructure development. He motivated the scientists to research on problematic weeds and work differently to lower down the menace of weeds and to give higher profitability to farmers.

On 29 January 2017, Dr. Samra visited ongoing experiments in the DWR farm area along with the scientists, technical officers, research scholars and students. He interacted with the scientists during the visit and gave his suggestions to improve the experiments. At this occasion, he also transplanted a tree sampling in the DWR premises.

Dr. Samra also visited the demonstrations on Conservation agriculture conducted by the Directorate in the nearby farmers’ fields of village Bharda-Padariya under Panagar Block. He interacted with the farmers and expressed his happiness after seeing the excellent crop under conservation agriculture and satisfaction conveyed by the farmers. At this occasion, a Scientist- Farmers meeting was also organized in the village Bharda-Padariya. In this meeting, farmers shared their experiences on conservation agriculture and praised the role played by the scientists of the Directorate. Dr. Samra while addressing the gathering gave many useful tips to farmers to increase the crop productivity to get more benefits. The programme was convened by Dr. Sushil Kumar at ICAR-DWR and by Dr. P.K. Singh at village Bharda-Padarriya.