Transforming an obnoxious weed into gold!

GAJAR GHAS, also called parthenium hysterophorus, is one of the ten
worst weeds in the world. It is harmful to all the living beings; it
has nearly destroyed all the useful crops and plants in the world.
Research has shown that it destroys everything that grows near it,
causes various skin diseases in human beings and if consumed, causes
various diseases in cattle too. Earlier, scientists suggested burning
down this plant as soon as it is uprooted since its pollen grains,
carried by the wind, may settle on the various pores of animals and
human beings and cause skin disorders in them.

But here in Khajuria Kala, a village in Ashoknagar district (a
newly-created district of Madhya Pradesh) which houses one of the
biggest Mandis in Madhya Pradesh, this plant is used for preparing
fertilisers, for nearly three years. At Khajuria Kala, farming is
undertaken without using any chemical fertilisers; only organic
fertilisers are used which have helped in improving the quality of the
crop. Abhay Vasudeo Kher, a farmer, thought of using Gajar Ghas as a
fertiliser. The idea struck him because the plant proliferated in the
vicinity of his farm and it served no purpose anyway. He applied his
mind to the task and eventually was able to convert it into organic
manure. He was pleased to learn that none before him had attempted to
use the deadly plant as manure.

This plant contains various acids like spenolic acid, vanalic acid,
p-anisic acid, clorogenic acid, caffeic acid and para hydroxy benzoic
acid. Some of these acids are good antioxidants and yet some are used
as intermediates in the manufacture of chemical fertilisers. It also
contains a large proportion of chlorophyll which can be used in the
preparation of fertilisers by decomposing it. It has always been a
pleasure for him to revolutionise agricultural practices and devise
new ways to promote agriculture in India.

Kher says, "Today our lands are been destroyed by using these chemical
fertilisers, but our farmers do not realise that by using the said
fertilisers, we are not only harming our land, but also affecting the
quality of the produce. But our farmers seem to be unaware of this
problem and our government must stress that chemical fertilisers must
be used on a limited scale; gradually, they must persuade the farmers
to switch over to organic farming. Farmers must be enlightened about
all these things, as they are the backbone of the nation."

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