MPUAT: "Carrot Grass - A Pressing Issue Requiring Public Awareness" - Dr. Karnataka
Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT), Udaipur, hosted a Carrot Grass Awareness Week from August 16 to 23, 2024. This event, conducted under the All India Coordinated Weed Management Research Project, was held across Rajasthan Agricultural College and University research centers, other colleges, and Agricultural Science Centers.
During the closing ceremony on August 23, 2024, at the Rajasthan Agricultural College, Dr. Ajit Kumar Karnataka, Vice Chancellor of MPUAT, highlighted the severe negative impacts of carrot grass on human, animal, and plant biodiversity. He expressed concern over its rapid spread in the country, emphasizing the need for public awareness for effective control and eradication. Dr. Karnataka mentioned that carrot grass, which is not native to India, was first observed in the country in 1955 and has since become a significant problem, now affecting over 10% of the country's land area. He stressed that public awareness and continuous, systematic efforts are crucial for effective management of this invasive plant. Dr. Karnataka also detailed biological control methods and the use of the Mexican beetle (Zygogramma bicolorata) for managing carrot grass.
Dr. R.B. Dubey, Dean of Rajasthan Agricultural College, noted that carrot grass primarily spreads through seeds and should be eradicated before seed formation. He also highlighted various diseases caused by carrot grass, including skin and respiratory allergies, and its rapid growth which hinders the growth of other plants, leading to significant biodiversity loss.
Dr. Arvind Verma, Project Coordinator and Director of Research, elaborated on the harmful effects of carrot grass and provided information on mechanical, chemical, and biological control methods. He urged students to remain active throughout the year in carrot grass eradication efforts and noted that this invasive species has spread across approximately 35-40 million hectares of land in a short period. Dr. Verma emphasized the importance of continued, relentless efforts and swore the students to work towards a carrot grass-free campus.
The event was attended by Dr. Virendra Nepal, Special Officer to the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Amit Trivedi, Regional Research Director, Dr. Ravi Kant Sharma, Deputy Director of Research, Dr. Ram Hari Meena, Student Welfare Officer, all department heads, faculty members, and 128 students, who actively participated in the program.
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