Wheat, the world's most important staple food, typically plays a major role in people's diets. In the future, there should be an increase in wheat production, as there is a partial likelihood that the global population will exceed 9 billion by 2050. Currently, the northern regions of India, including Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, are experiencing cold weather and fog, with temperatures dropping significantly. However, this weather can be beneficial for wheat. According to agricultural experts, the cool waves and cold conditions can lead to growth in the wheat crop. As per their analysis, this contributes to the nutritional value of wheat grains and plants. According to agricultural specialists, there is hope for good wheat production in the country this year. The government's estimate suggests a target of around 114 million tons. Wheat is a primary cereal crop in India, covering approximately 29.8 million hectares of land nationwide.
Wheat is a Rabi crop, and it requires a mild climate. Adequate sunlight and a substantial amount of water are essential for this crop. The optimal temperature for wheat cultivation ranges from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. Higher temperatures, exceeding 27 degrees Celsius, have adverse effects on wheat growth. Excessive heat leads to a loss of energy, negatively impacting crop production. Therefore, a temperature range of 20-25 degrees Celsius is crucial for the proper development of wheat plants. The type of soil also plays a significant role in wheat cultivation. Loamy or clayey soil, often referred to as black cotton soil or fine-textured soil, is most suitable for wheat crops. The pH level of the soil should ideally be between 6 and 7 for maximizing wheat yield. To ensure a bountiful wheat harvest, it is essential to cultivate in a climate with the right temperature range and choose well-draining loamy or clayey soil with an optimal pH level. These factors contribute to the successful growth of wheat and maximize crop yield.
Good Yield Expected for Wheat Due to Rain and Cold Weather:
In northern India, the prolonged winter and cool temperatures have raised hopes of a good wheat harvest, particularly in key wheat-producing states such as Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Agricultural experts attribute the robust growth of the wheat crop to the prevailing cold spell. Notably, there is no visible impact of the yellow rust disease on the crops. The winter season is most beneficial for wheat in the Rabi crop, as the cold weather enhances the nutritional content of wheat grains.
Due to the colder temperatures, wheat kernels become more nutritious. For a successful Rabi crop, wheat should be exposed to temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. Excessive warmth, exceeding 27 degrees Celsius, has adverse effects on wheat plants, causing energy loss and negatively impacting crop production. Black clayey or loamy soil is considered most suitable for wheat cultivation, with an ideal pH range of 6 to 7. The recent cold weather, which has prevailed due to the winter and cool temperatures, is seen as highly advantageous for wheat crops. The presence of ample sunlight and an appropriate amount of water are essential for wheat cultivation. The wheat crop must continue to receive sufficient sunlight. Additionally, farmers cultivating mustard and vegetables have been advised to practice light irrigation to mitigate the effects of the cold weather. There are expectations that this year's wheat production in the country may reach the government's estimated target of 114 million tons. Wheat is a resilient crop with the ability to thrive under diverse climatic conditions, not only in warm and sub-warm regions but also in cold regions with temperatures above 60 degrees latitude. Wheat can develop even in deep cold, and with the arrival of warmth in spring, it can grow further. For a good yield, it is crucial to maintain cool, moist weather throughout the developmental period, followed by dry and warm weather to facilitate proper grain ripening.
Utilizing micro-irrigation systems is highly crucial for wheat irrigation. This not only saves water but also enhances the crop yield. The use of micro-irrigation systems is particularly effective for horticultural crops. It has been successfully employed in wheat cultivation as well. The adoption of drip irrigation has led to a significant improvement of 23% in wheat and 33% in rice compared to traditional irrigation methods. Micro, mini, and portable sprinkler systems are quite helpful in irrigation. When irrigation is done through these techniques, water falls on the crops like raindrops, resembling rainfall. This method is also known as furrow irrigation. In this technique, water is conveyed to the fields from tube wells, tanks, or ponds through pipes and nozzles are fitted on these pipes in the fields. Water then falls on the crops through these nozzles, simulating rainfall. Meanwhile, micro-sprinkler technology should be used for irrigation in litchi polyhouses and shed-net houses. Mini-sprinklers can be used for irrigation in tea, potato, rice, wheat, and vegetable crops, while portable sprinklers are suitable for irrigating pulses and sesame crops. Drip irrigation, on the other hand, involves applying water drop by drop to the roots of plants. In this method, there is no wastage of water, and the yield increases.
Weather plays a significant role in the cultivation of wheat. It not only influences the development of plants but also has a considerable impact on the quantity and quality of the yield. Ideal climatic conditions for wheat cultivation involve adequate rainfall, suitable temperature, and well-drained fertile soil. When the weather is not conducive, the germination of seeds cannot occur correctly, resulting in reduced productivity. The influence of weather is particularly noticeable in the development of flowers during wheat cultivation. In favorable weather conditions, the flowers are beautiful and healthy, leading to the proper formation of fruits. Wheat requires the right temperature for optimal growth, as excessive or inadequate temperatures can have negative effects on the yield. For wheat to thrive, especially in dry, high-quality soil, suitable weather conditions are of utmost importance.
Diseases in Wheat Crop and Their Prevention:
Rust Disease: Rust disease, also known as "ratua" in common language, can be observed between February and April. This disease infects leaves, stems, etc. Avoid using excessive potassium or nitrogen-containing fertilizers to prevent rust disease.
Termite Infestation: The infestation of termites primarily occurs in light, sandy soil, and insufficiently irrigated crops, especially in high-temperature conditions. These termites feed on wheat seedlings, penetrating them up to the roots. In areas prone to termite issues, application of 1 liter of Chloropyriphos 20 EC mixed with 8-10 kilograms of sand or bran per acre is recommended for control.
Loose Smut Disease: In wheat fields, a black powder forms on the quickly emerging spikes. The affected spikes show black powder in the ovary. Remove the infected plants from the field and bury them in the soil. Solar treatment is employed to produce disease-free seeds. These preventive measures help in maintaining the health and yield of wheat crops by addressing common diseases such as rust, termite infestation, and loose smut.
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