Parthenium weeds run wild in J’singhpur

PARADIP: A harmless looking weed, Parthenium Hysterophous, has suddenly become a
cause of concern for the people of Jagatsinghpur district. Known for toxic
properties, Parthenium has grown in abundance in the district and is causing
great worry. Local greens said the weed started growing in the district after
last year’s cyclonic rains.

Also known as the Carrot weed, it has caused extensive damage to vegetation
here. Environmentalist Amar Prasad Mohanty said the pollen grains of the weed
contain Parthenin and Plasmodium which are lethal microbes. While inhabitants of
many villages have been suffering from asthma, allergy and dermatitis after
coming in contact with the weed, domestic animals too have been affected by
several disorders. Farmers said milk from cattle decreased after grazing of the
Parthenium weed and the milk too has become bitter. Besides, it has destroyed
the land fertility and crop yield fell.

Sources said Balikuda, Erasama and some industrial areas of Paradip have the
maximum growth of Parthenium. Locals alleged that despite its harmful effects,
neither the district administration nor the Agriculture Department has taken any
measures to eradicate the weed.

District programme coordinator of Krushi Bigyan Kendra Siba Prasad Singh said a
single Parthenium weed completes four lifecycles in a year and has the capacity
to produce 8,000 seeds which can sprout wherever they fall.

“Awareness drives are being conducted among farmers on the harmful effects of
the weed and ways to destroy it wherever found,” Singh said. He, however,
added that the officials concerned should initiate immediate measures to curb
further growth of the weed lest the problem takes alarming proportions.

District Agriculture Officer Raghunath Das said weed experts had been informed
and steps would be taken to destroy the weeds at the earliest.

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