Wheat is India’s most important rabi crop. It is grown mainly in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Gujarat. The ICAR Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR), Karnal, issues advisories every season. This wheat sowing guide sums up the key points.
Best time for wheat sowing
Timing matters because wheat is sensitive to high temperatures during grain filling. As per general ICAR guidance, timely sown wheat in the North Western Plains Zone is sown from late October to mid November, depending on the variety. In the North Eastern Plains, central and peninsular zones, the windows differ slightly. Late sowing reduces yield, and every week of delay after the recommended window can lower output. Follow the zone wise calendar issued by IIWBR and your state agriculture university.
Choosing the variety
Choose a variety recommended for your zone and sowing time, such as timely sown irrigated, late sown or rainfed conditions. ICAR and state universities release new heat tolerant and rust resistant varieties every few years. Buy certified seed from reliable sources such as government seed agencies or registered dealers.
Seed rate and spacing
- A common recommendation for timely sowing is about 100 kg of seed per hectare.
- For late sowing, a higher seed rate is often advised.
- Row spacing of around 20 cm is generally followed for timely sowing.
Check the exact rate for your variety on the seed packet or with your Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK).
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Seed treatment
Treat seeds with a recommended fungicide before sowing to protect against diseases such as loose smut and seed borne infections. Follow label instructions and dosage carefully.
Fertiliser
Use fertiliser based on a soil test. A Soil Health Card can guide you on the right doses of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and micronutrients. Apply part of the nitrogen at sowing and the rest in splits with irrigation.
Irrigation stages
Wheat needs water at key growth stages. The crown root initiation stage, about 20 to 25 days after sowing, is the most critical for the first irrigation. Other important stages are tillering, jointing, flowering and grain filling. The number of irrigations depends on soil type and weather.
Zero tillage and happy seeder
In rice wheat areas, zero tillage drills and happy seeder machines let farmers sow wheat directly into paddy stubble. This saves time and cost, and helps avoid stubble burning, which pollutes the air.
Advice for farmers
Before sowing, selling or storing your crop, check the latest information with your district agriculture department, Krishi Vigyan Kendra or mandi committee.
Bottom line
Sow on time, use a zone wise variety, treat the seed and give the first irrigation at crown root stage. These four steps make the biggest difference to wheat yield.
Source / स्रोत: ICAR Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
