Posted in Sustainable Farming Methods

Wheat Farming in India

Wheat Farming in India

Wheat Farming in India: Complete Guide with Advanced Tips, Profit Analysis & Government Schemes

India is an agriculture-based country and wheat is one of its major Rabi crops. States like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh grow wheat on a large scale. Wheat is a high-nutrition grain that plays a major role in our country’s food security. With growing demand and population, using modern farming methods and scientific techniques for wheat farming is very important.

🌾 What is Wheat Farming? (Gehu Ki Kheti Ka Parichay)

Wheat is a Rabi crop, sown between October and December, and harvested around March-April. It takes about 120 to 150 days to mature. It requires cool climate and fertile loamy soil for best results.

🌱 Best High-Yielding Varieties of Wheat (Gehu Ki Unnat Kismein)

  1. HD 2967 – High yield and disease-resistant
  2. PBW 343 – Suitable for Punjab and Haryana
  3. DBW 187 – Best for Eastern India
  4. HI 1544 (Malav Shakti) – Ideal for MP and Rajasthan
  5. WH 1105 – Premium quality and grain
  6. K 9107 – Popular in Eastern UP and Bihar
  7. Raj 4037 – For dry climate regions

👉 Tip: Always buy seeds from certified sources.

🧑‍🌾 Sowing Time and Land Preparation

  • Sowing Time:
    • North India: 15th October to 30th November
    • Central India: 1st November to 15th December
  • Land Preparation:
    • Do 2-3 deep ploughings, followed by levelling.
    • Mix organic manure (FYM) before sowing.

🌦️ Climate and Soil Requirements

  • Climate: Ideal temperature is 15°C to 25°C
  • Soil Type: Loamy soil with good drainage is best
  • Soil pH: Between 6.5 and 7.5

🌾 Seed Quantity and Sowing Methods

  • Seed Rate:
    • 100–125 kg per hectare
    • Maintain row spacing of 22–25 cm
  • Sowing Methods:
    1. Broadcasting
    2. Line sowing
    3. Seed drill method (most effective)

💩 Fertilizer and Manure Management

InputQuantity per HectareTime of Application
FYM (Organic Manure)8–10 tonsBefore sowing
Urea100–120 kgIn two splits – sowing and tillering stage
DAP100 kgAt sowing time
MOP (Potash)40–50 kgDuring sowing

🚿 Irrigation Management

  • Wheat needs 4 to 5 irrigations:
    1. First irrigation – 20–25 days after sowing (CRITICAL stage)
    2. Second – during tillering
    3. Third – before flowering
    4. Fourth – grain filling stage

✅ Drip irrigation helps save water and improve yield.

🌿 Weed Control

  • Common weeds: Wild oats, Bathua, Mustard-type weeds
  • Chemical Control:
    • Pendimethalin (Pre-emergence)
    • Isoproturon (Post-emergence)
  • Organic Options: Hand weeding, mulching, inter-row cultivation

🐛 Pest and Disease Management

Common Problems:

  • Fungal diseases: Rust, leaf blight
  • Pests: Termites, thrips

Control Measures:

  • Seed Treatment: Carbendazim @ 2.5 g/kg seed
  • Spray: Mancozeb + Carbendazim @ 1.5 g/litre
  • Organic Options: Neem oil sprays, Trichoderma

🌾 Harvesting and Storage

  • When to Harvest: When ears turn golden and grain moisture is below 20%
  • Post-Harvest:
    • Dry the crop properly
    • Store grains with moisture below 12%
    • Use clean, dry and airtight containers or gunny bags

📊 Cost and Profit Analysis

ItemEstimated Cost (₹/Hectare)
Seeds₹ 3,000 – ₹ 4,000
Fertilizer & Manure₹ 5,000 – ₹ 6,000
Labour₹ 7,000 – ₹ 8,000
Irrigation₹ 3,000
Total Cost₹ 18,000 – ₹ 22,000
Yield40–60 quintals
Selling Price₹ 2,000 per quintal
Net Profit₹ 60,000 – ₹ 90,000

🏛️ Government Schemes for Wheat Farmers

  1. PM-KISAN Yojana: ₹6,000 per year direct benefit
  2. National Food Security Mission (NFSM): Subsidy on quality seeds
  3. Agriculture Mechanization Scheme: 40–50% subsidy on equipment
  4. Crop Insurance Scheme (PMFBY): Protection from natural losses
  5. State Seed Distribution Programmes

✅ Tips and Experiences for Farmers

  • Sow on time
  • Use certified improved seeds
  • Monitor weather reports
  • Stay updated with local market prices
  • Join training and Krishi Melas
  • Use government apps like Kisan Suvidha, PM-Kisan

❓FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which is the best wheat variety?

HD 2967 and WH 1105 are high-yielding and disease-resistant.

2. What is the ideal sowing time?

From 15th October to 30th November.

3. Which fertilizers are necessary?

Urea, DAP, Potash and organic manures are essential.

4. Is organic wheat farming profitable?

Yes, organic wheat fetches higher market prices.

5. What are major wheat diseases?

Rust, leaf blight and termite attack are common.

6. Is drip irrigation beneficial?

Yes, it saves water and improves productivity.

7. Where can we get government-certified seeds?

From Krishi Vigyan Kendras or registered seed centres.

8. Is crop insurance necessary?

Yes, it protects against losses due to disasters.

🎯 Conclusion

Wheat farming is the backbone of India’s food system and a great source of income for farmers. With the use of scientific methods, improved seed varieties, proper irrigation, and government support, farmers can achieve better yield and higher profits. Let’s adopt modern farming techniques and contribute to a self-reliant India.

If you found this information useful, please share it with other farmers in your village.
Prosperity of farmers is the prosperity of the nation! 🇮🇳🌾

kuldeep.kamboj@gmail.com