The ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research (ICAR-IISR), Lucknow, organised its 21st Gajar Ghas Awareness Campaign from August 16 to August 22, 2026, to raise awareness about the harmful effects of Congress grass, also known as Parthenium hysterophorus. The programme was conducted under the guidance of the institute director, with scientists, officers and employees actively participating in the campaign.
As part of the awareness drive, a collective Gajar Ghas removal programme was organised on August 20, 2026, across the institute campus. Nearly 110 employees and officers, including Dr Dinesh Singh, Project Coordinator (Sugarcane); Dr M.K. Srivastava, Head, Crop Production and Biochemistry; Dr V.P. Singh, Head, Crop Production; Dr L.S. Gangwar, In-charge, Extension, Technical Evaluation and Policy Unit; and Dr M.K. Singh, Head, Agricultural Engineering, participated in the activity. Dr V.P. Singh briefed the participants about the potential health, livestock and crop-related hazards caused by Gajar Ghas.
The institute also organised a Gajar Ghas Awareness Programme on August 21, 2026, at Atrouli village in Mohanlalganj, Lucknow, under the leadership of Dr L.S. Gangwar. During the programme, Dr Kamta Prasad Pradhan, Principal Scientist, Extension, Technical Evaluation and Policy Unit, along with other officials, informed farmers about the diseases and risks that Gajar Ghas can cause in humans, animals and agricultural crops. 
Dr Barsati Lal, Dr R.P. Sahu, Dr Anita Shukla, Dr J.P. Verma and Mr Deep Kumar also addressed the farmers and shared important information on the identification, prevention and control of Gajar Ghas. The experts encouraged farmers to remove the weed at an early stage and adopt safe methods to prevent its spread in fields and surrounding areas.
A special weed-removal activity was also carried out in Atrouli village through the collective efforts of farmers and 22 trainees from the Krishi Vigyan Centre. The campaign witnessed the participation of 50 farmers, including men and women from the village. The initiative helped strengthen community awareness about the dangers of Parthenium weed and highlighted the importance of collective action for maintaining healthy farms, livestock and rural environments.
The 21st Gajar Ghas Awareness Campaign by ICAR-IISR Lucknow reflects the institute’s continued commitment to promoting weed management, protecting agricultural productivity and improving public awareness about the harmful impact of invasive weeds.
