### Capacity Building Program on Weed Management for Agriculture Extension Officers*

*Udaipur, A training program on weed management for agricultural extension officers was successfully organized under the Directorate of Research at Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT), Udaipur. The program was led by Dr. Arvind Verma, Director of Research at MPUAT, along with prominent speakers including Assistant Agriculture Director (Badgaon) Mr. Shyam Lal Salvi, Dr. Hari Singh, Dr. Ravikant Sharma, and Dr. Sharvan, who shared their expertise on various topics.  

### Importance of Weed Management  
In his inaugural address, Dr. Verma emphasized the critical role of effective weed management in ensuring crop productivity and sustainable agricultural practices. He explained that weeds significantly hinder quality crop production and can cause annual losses of approximately ₹2,000 crore. Research indicates that weeds reduce crop yields by up to 37%, as they compete with crops for nutrients, water, and sunlight, limiting their growth potential.  

Dr. Verma further highlighted the importance of adopting scientific methods for weed control to increase crop production per unit area while preserving the environment. He stated, “Efficient and timely weed management is essential to minimize losses and ensure optimal crop yield.”  

### Training Sessions and Key Discussions  
Dr. Hari Singh addressed the economic impact of weeds on agriculture and elaborated on their prevention. The training covered various topics, including:  
- Identification of common and invasive weed species.  
- Best practices in manual and chemical weed control.  
- Use of eco-friendly and advanced technologies for weed management.  

The program included workshops and practical demonstrations to equip extension officers with hands-on knowledge applicable in real-world scenarios.  

Dr. Ravikant Sharma presented studies on weed control strategies implemented across different regions of India. Mr. Shyam Lal Salvi shared practical insights from his field experience, offering valuable suggestions to address regional challenges effectively.  

### Emerging Trends and Innovations  
Dr. Sharvan concluded the session by discussing future trends in weed science and the importance of continuous learning for sustainable agricultural development. Topics covered included:  
- Weed management in Kharif and Rabi crops.  
- Control measures in organic farming.  
- Drone-based weed management techniques and their applications.  

### Outcome and Participation  
Over 35 assistant agriculture officers and supervisors from Badgaon and Girwa tehsils participated in the training. The participants expressed gratitude for the knowledge gained, stating that it would serve as a valuable resource for improving farmer productivity and income.  

This capacity-building initiative marked a significant step towards enhancing agricultural practices and ensuring sustainable crop management in the region.