An Economic Evaluation of Control Methods forParthenium hysterophorusL.

Abstract

An Asteraceous weed, Parthenium hysterophorus L. (parthenium) was inadvertently introduced into India in the 1950's. It has spread with menacing speed and covered millions of hectares of uncultivated land resulting in the reduction of forage production by over 90% in the infested areas. Controlling this weed in arable land is expensive to farmers. Parthenium is also a health hazard to sensitised humans and livestock. The economics of various methods of its control are discussed. The introduction of Cassia sericea, a legume that controls parthenium through interference, is the most cost effective solution. Substantial monetary returns, are expected by adopting this method. However an integrated approach may be more effective for hastening the success of this method.