Ishwardi (Pabna) Correspondent :
Ishwardi’s roads and land lanes and open spaces are overrun with this poisonous plant Parthenium. Human bodies, crops and livestock are at risk. Partheniums have been seen in large numbers on both sides of major roads including Ishwardi-Kushtia, Ishwardi-Pabna, Dashuria-Muladuli, Baga Mia road and various small and big roads of the union.
This weed can be seen on the roadside in different villages of the upazila. At a glance, anyone would think it was a big coriander plant. The plants look attractive with small white flowers between the thin green leaves. For several years, this weed has been growing in the open spaces of remote areas of the upazila and also in the courtyards of houses.
Experts say, the silent killer of environment and agriculture weed name is Parthenium. It reproduces rapidly. As a result, this weed is spreading rapidly in the agricultural land. If it comes in contact with cattle while grazing, the animal’s body swells. Apart from this, many diseases including high fever, indigestion are affected.
According to upazila agriculture office sources, the life span of the plant named Parthenium is only three to four months. The tree gives flowers and seeds three times. The flowers are usually round, white and slippery. It also has a special ability to survive in hostile environments. Poisonous parthenium is more noticeable on both sides of the road. But the locals have no idea about the harmful side of this plant. In agricultural land, Parthenium can reduce the yield of any crop by about 40 percent. It mostly attacks sugarcane, banana, turmeric, bitter gourd, beans. Besides, in the case of rice, chickpea, mustard, wheat, brinjal and pepper, this weed reduces the germination and growth of the seeds and reduces the crop yield to a great extent. Even if it is applied to cattle or eaten with other weeds, there is a risk of contracting various diseases including severe fever, indigestion. In particular, eating Parthenium can lead to the death of cows.
Local farmer Faijul Islam said that they are in panic about this tree. Because the area is full of these trees and cattle also eat these trees many times.
Doctor Abdul Baten said, poisonous Parthenium, known as the ‘silent killer’, can reach the lungs through inhalation, which can cause respiratory problems, skin diseases, and even deadly cancer. He suggested taking steps to prevent the spread of this poisonous weed.
Upazila Agriculture Officer Mita Sarkar said, its harmful aspects are being highlighted among the farmers to control Parthenium. It reproduces rapidly. The biggest problem is that its pollen is toxic. If it is eaten by cows, then there is a problem. Breathing causes harmful conditions in the human body due to respiratory problems. Various diseases including asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer appear in the body. Also the sexual potency of the affected person decreases.
He further said that the only way to control it is to cut down the trees and burn them immediately. If the tree is left somewhere after felling, it will spread again from there. We are campaigning to farmers about its harmful effects and the need to eliminate it to protect the environment. It is better to have gloves or socks and eye glasses while cleaning this weed. Feet should be well covered.
