Wheat cultivation

With the rice harvest completed, farmers are now focusing on sowing Rabi crops, with wheat being a prominent choice. The ideal period for sowing wheat falls between November 5 and December 5. However, farmers face several challenges during this time, such as soil nutrient deficiencies, selecting the right variety, and choosing the appropriate sowing method. This article provides insights into effective wheat sowing practices to maximize yield. Following the advice of agricultural expert Prof. Dr. I.K. Kushwaha from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, farmers can refine their sowing process.

Key Points to Consider for Wheat Sowing:

1. Soil Testing and Fertilizer Use: Before sowing, farmers should take soil samples for testing. In areas like Saharanpur, common deficiencies include phosphorus, potash, zinc, and boron. Using fertilizers based on soil test results helps address these nutrient gaps. Balanced fertilizers provide plants with better nutrition, resulting in higher yields.
2. Sowing Method: Wheat should always be sown using a seed drill, ensuring proper seed placement and controlled seed quantity. Broadcasting seeds can lead to overuse and lower germination rates. Use 40 kg of seed per acre for regular sowing, and 50 kg for late sowing.
3. Seed Treatment: Treat wheat seeds with tebuconazole before sowing to eliminate fungal infections on and inside the seeds, reducing disease risk in plants. Additionally, spray seeds with 5 ml of chlorpyrifos per kg of seed three hours before sowing to protect against pests.

Preparing the Field for High Yields:

Proper field preparation is essential for a good yield. Here’s how to prepare:

• Field Plowing and Irrigation: Begin with thorough plowing, followed by light irrigation to retain soil moisture, aiding germination and plant growth.
• Timely Sowing: Experts recommend sowing wheat as soon as fields are available. Delayed sowing reduces yield, so if sowing is late, lightly moisten the seeds to speed up germination.

Selecting the Right Wheat Variety:

Farmers should choose wheat varieties based on local climate and field conditions. For areas like Saharanpur, DBW 359, DBW 303, and DBW 332 are suitable options.

• DBW 359: Ideal for limited-irrigation regions and resistant to diseases.
• DBW 303: Suited for early sowing and provides good yield in irrigated areas.
• DBW 332: High-yield variety suitable for early sowing and high fertilizer application.

Conclusion: By adopting proper techniques during wheat sowing, using essential fertilizers and treatments, farmers can increase their yield. Attention to each step, from field preparation and seed treatment to selecting the right variety, makes it possible to achieve a bumper wheat harvest.

Read More... wheat farming