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<p>Parthenium weed (<i>Parthenium hysterophorus</i> L.) is an invasive alien plant that poses serious threats to agriculture, biodiversity, and human health worldwide. Its rapid spread and presence in Bhutan are an emerging concern. To assess awareness, impacts and management practices, a questionnaire-based interviews of 160 farmers was undertaken in four eastern Districts of Bhutan. The assessment revealed that majority of farmers (92%) were able to identify parthenium weed at young and flowering stages, and 78% observed it mainly during summer. Infestations were most frequently observed along roadsides (89% of farmers), in dryland crops (35%), and in paddy fields (34%), but not around irrigation channels or forests. Most farmers (36%) sighted parthenium weed 6–10&#xa0;years ago with 88% perceiving an increase over the years, attributing its spread largely to vehicle movement (55% of farmers). Majority of farmers (89%) perceived parthenium weed as invasive. About 29% of farmers perceived crop yield losses, mainly in maize and rice by 12 and 13%, respectively. Livestock grazing on parthenium weed was also noted by 24% of respondents, although only one reported its ill effect (tainted and poor-quality milk). Public health was more widely impacted, with 59% reporting problems, mainly itching (76% of farmers), sneezing (56%), and rashes (53%). Manual removal was the main control method implemented by 97% of the farmers, costing each household about US $150 per year. Overall, 86% of farmers perceived parthenium weed as a concern with 66% expressing the need for an awareness program. This study identifies an urgent need for the implementation of awareness programs, early detection and control, and develop a policy to prevent further spread and impacts in the country.</p>

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Farmer perceptions of the impact and management of parthenium weed in eastern Bhutan

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月22日

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  • Sangay Dorji,
  • Ali Bajwa,
  • Asad Shabbir,
  • Stephen Stewart,
  • Steve Adkins

摘要

Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) is an invasive alien plant that poses serious threats to agriculture, biodiversity, and human health worldwide. Its rapid spread and presence in Bhutan are an emerging concern. To assess awareness, impacts and management practices, a questionnaire-based interviews of 160 farmers was undertaken in four eastern Districts of Bhutan. The assessment revealed that majority of farmers (92%) were able to identify parthenium weed at young and flowering stages, and 78% observed it mainly during summer. Infestations were most frequently observed along roadsides (89% of farmers), in dryland crops (35%), and in paddy fields (34%), but not around irrigation channels or forests. Most farmers (36%) sighted parthenium weed 6–10 years ago with 88% perceiving an increase over the years, attributing its spread largely to vehicle movement (55% of farmers). Majority of farmers (89%) perceived parthenium weed as invasive. About 29% of farmers perceived crop yield losses, mainly in maize and rice by 12 and 13%, respectively. Livestock grazing on parthenium weed was also noted by 24% of respondents, although only one reported its ill effect (tainted and poor-quality milk). Public health was more widely impacted, with 59% reporting problems, mainly itching (76% of farmers), sneezing (56%), and rashes (53%). Manual removal was the main control method implemented by 97% of the farmers, costing each household about US $150 per year. Overall, 86% of farmers perceived parthenium weed as a concern with 66% expressing the need for an awareness program. This study identifies an urgent need for the implementation of awareness programs, early detection and control, and develop a policy to prevent further spread and impacts in the country.