WHEAT

WHEAT
Technologies for Enhancing

Productivity in Eastern India
Wheat
Technologies for Enhancing Productivity
in Eastern India
Wheat: Technologies for Enhancing
Productivity in Eastern India
Preamble : Wheat is the major staple food crop and a major source of
energy for Indian population. India achieved remarkable progress in
wheat production during the last five decades and is the second largest
wheat producer in the world. The wheat production has increased
manifold from 6.60 million tonnes at the time of independence to 97.44
million tonnes in 2016-17(@1.3 million tonnes/ year). India achieved all-
time high production of 98.61 million tonnes of wheat grains during
2017-18 with an average productivity of 33.18 q/ha.
Wheat is cultivated in five mega zones based on wide diversity for agro-
climatic conditions viz., North Western Plains Zone (12.62 mha), North
Eastern Plains Zone (8.56 mha), Central Zone (7.25 mha), Peninsular
zone (1.31mha) and Northern Hills zone (0.97 mha) thus accounting
for
29.72 mha area under wheat cultivation. Almost 70% of the wheat area
is in two mega zones i.e. North Western Plains Zone (NWPZ) and North
Eastern Plains Zone (NEPZ) of the country.
Target Zone : The north eastern plains zone of India comprised of 42

districts of eastern UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam, West Bengal, Odisha
and plains of other north eastern states (except Sikkim and Arunachal
Pradesh), wherein two states (Bihar and West Bengal) have about 30%
of area under wheat in NEPZ. Since rice is harvested late, wheat sowing
is often delayed due to higher soil moisture conditions and wheat crop
season is relatively short. Further, there is vast scope for extending
wheat cultivation to non-traditional areas like Assam valley and in
Orissa. This can be done by timely harvest of the Kharif crops
immediate sowing of wheat crop under zero tillage and by reducing the
extent of fallow land. West Bengal has already started growing wheat in
sufficient quantity.
The scope of area expansion for production of wheat in other states like
West Bengal, Assam, Orissa etc. is feasible with the provision of better
irrigation facilities in the area. By adopting these and some other positive
measures, we can hope to increase the area and production of wheat in
the region.
1
Constraints and Strategies : The yield gap in NEPZ has become a
matter of concern for researchers, extension workers and planners. The
yield gap between farmer's practices and frontline demonstrations are
very high and shows the potential to increase the yield further with
large scale adoption of available technologies. Besides, wheat crop in
NEPZ faces several challenges like low yield, climate change,
disease/insect pests, soil health, and toxicities some of the mineral
elements. Apart from this, there are several issues like non-availability
of quality inputs, cultivation of old varieties, lack of technical
awareness regarding crop management practices. Thus, strategies to
overcome these challenges are needed.
Climatic Requirements : Wheat is a cool season crop and best sowing

time is when average day temperature is 20-23˚C. For better tillering,
temperature should be in the range of 16-20˚C. Higher temperature during
tillering stage hampers the tiller formation and during ripening it causes
shrivellingofmaturingseed.
Soil Type : Wheat can be grown on all kind of soils, except the highly
deteriorated salt affected and water-logged soils. This zone covers sub-
humid Satluj-Ganga alluvial plains, humid Bengal-Assam basin and
humid eastern Himalayan region.
Crop Rotations : In the eastern parts of the country under irrigated

conditions, wheat is grown mainly in cropping sequences like Rice-
Wheat, Jowar-Wheat, Maize-Wheat, Pulse-Wheat, Vegetables-Wheat,
Potato-Wheat etc., although Rice-Wheat system is the most
predominant and commonly followed cropping system in entire
northern India.
In Bihar, the Rice-Wheat, Maize-Wheat and Sesame- Wheat cropping

patterns are followed, whereas in Bengal Rice- Wheat and Potato-
Wheat cropping patterns occupies most of the area.
Selection of Varieties : The right choice of a variety suitable to specific

production conditions/ niche is of utmost importance for achieving
high yield. The choice available to farmers in terms of improved variety
though largely depends on the quality seed of correct variety.
2
Presently, farmers have good choice of improved varieties for different
production conditions along with production technology to enhance
yield.
Promising varieties of wheat for different production conditions in NEPZ
Production Released By Varieties
Condition
Timely Sown, CVRC NW 5054, K 1006, HD 2967, DBW 39,
Irrigated RAJ 4120, K 0307, HD 2824, HD 2733,
PBW 443, HUW 468, K 9107, HP 1731,
HP 1761, NW 1012
SVRC UP : K0607, K 0402, K 9006 , NW 1067
Bihar : BRW 3708
Late Sown, CVRC DBW 107, HI 1563, HD 3118, HD 2985,
Irrigated DBW 14, NW 2036, W 2045, NW 1014,
HD 2643, HP 1744
SVRC UP : K 9162, SHIATS-W6, K 9533, Halna,
Unnat Halna
Bihar : BRW 934
Timely Sown, CVRC HI 1612, K 1317, HD 3171, HD 2888,
Rainfed / MACS 6145, C 306
Restricted UP : HUW 669, K 9351
Irrigation SVRC Bihar : BRW 3723
Salt Affected CVRC KRL 210, KRL 213, KRL-19

Soils SVRC (UP) K 8434, KRL 283, NW 4018
The above mentioned table includes all the improved wheat genotypes
for north eastern plains zone released by both CVRC and SVRC.
However the details of latest and promising varieties suitable for
varying environments/ conditions along with their passport data and
special features are given below:
3
Varieties for Irrigated Timely Sown Condition
NW 5054
Pedigree : THELIN//2*
ATTILA*2/PASTOR
Year of Release : 2014
Potential Yield : 64.2 q/ha
Average Yield : 47.0 q/ha
Plant Height : 102 cm
Maturity Duration : 122 days
Special Features: The variety had high

yielding ability under optimum planting
conditions and has also shown flexibility
for planting under late sown conditions
up to mid- December. This variety has
waxiness, pre- harvest sprouting
tolerance and thus suitable for east and
far eastern regions of the country.
NW 5054
K 1006
Pedigree : PBW 343/HP 1731
Special Features: K 1006 has erect leaf,

non- synchronous tillering and bold grain
thus making it suitable for cultivation in
eastern India under normal planting
situations and also has flexibility for late
sowing. This variety has high protein,
good chapatti making quality and high
loaf volume and thus suitable for
different end products.
K 1006
4
HD 2967
Pedigree : ALD/COC//URES/
HD2160M/HD227
8

Special Features: HD 2967 has shown
wider adaptability for two mega wheat
growing zones (NWPZ, NEPZ). This
genotype has shown moderate resistance
to stripe rust and good level of leaf rust
resistance. This variety has high zinc,
copper and iron thereby securing
nutritional security.
HD 2967
DBW 39
Pedigree : ATTILA/HUI
Year of release : 2010
Maturity duration : 121 days
Special Features: DBW 39 has shown

very high yield potential under better
management conditions. It has shown
wider adaptability under timely as well
as late sown conditions, good level of
resistance to leaf and stripe rusts and
leaf blight. The variety is good for
chapatti quality, bread, biscuits and thus
suitable for different end products.
DBW 39
5
CBW 38
Pedigree : NDO/R143/ENTE/
MEXI_2/3/Ae. Sq
(TAUS)/4/Weaver
/ 5/2*PASTOR
Year of Release 2009
65.3q/ha
:
44.4
Potential Yield
q/ha 93
cm 121
:
days
Average Yield
:
Plant Height
: Maturity Duration
:
Special Features: This variety is
suitable for varied agronomic
conditions and showed least reduction
in grain yield even under late sowing.
This variety posses heat tolerance and
also has good chapatti making quality
along with good iron and zinc.
CBW 38
RAJ
4120
Pedigree : PBW 343/V1

Special Features: This is a medium
plant type genotype having good
yield potential, disease resistance to all
three rusts, better adaptability and
stability across environments. It has
bold grains and good chapatti making
quality.
RAJ 4120
6
K 0307
Pedigree : K 8321/ UP
Year of Release : 2003 2007
Average Yield : 45.6
Plant Height q/ha 95
cm 120
: Maturity Duration
days
:
Special Features: This variety is having
high yielding ability under timely and
late sown conditions. It is having
resistance to leaf rust and leaf blight. It
is having better grain appearance and
good chapatti making quality. K 0307
HD 2824
Pedigree : PTO-1/CNO 79/
PRL/GAA/3/HD195
1
Special Features: This variety is

suitable for both timely as well as late
sown conditions as it has shown very
less reduction in yield under late
sown conditions. It has tolerance to leaf
rust and leaf blight. This genotype is
suitable for delayed sowing and variable
fertilizer doses. HD 2824
7
HD 2733
Pedigree : PBW 226/
HW 1042/HD
2285
Potential Yield : 71.5q/ha
Special Features: This variety has high

tillering, resistance to leaf rust and leaf
blight and tolerance to lodging. This
genotype has shown responsiveness to
varying levels of irrigation and fertilizers
thereby suitable for better management
practices.
HD 2733
Varieties for Irrigated Late Sown Condition
DBW 107
Pedigree : TUKURU/INQLAB

68.7 q/ha
: Potential Yield
41.3
q/ha 89
:
cm 109
Average Yield :
days
Plant Height
: Maturity Duration
:
Special Features: It has good yield
potential under late sown conditions
with less reduction even under very late
sown conditions. This variety has
resistance to leaf rust and leaf blight,
high protein content, iron and zinc
thereby making it nutrient rich DBW 107
genotype.
8
HD 3118
Pedigree : ATTILA*2/PBW
65//WBLL1*2/
TUKURU
Special Features: This variety has

shown genetic potential for higher yield
under late and very late sown conditions.
This has high levels of resistance against
leaf rust and tolerance to leaf blight.
The variety has shown higher values of
bread loaf volume, protein content and
bread quality score. HD 3118
HD 2985
Pedigree : PBW 343/PASTOR
Special Features: This variety has adult

plant resistance against leaf rust and
foliar blight. This genotype has more
grains/spike along with bold grains. The
variety has better values of chapatti
quality, bread loaf volume and biscuit
diameter.
HD 2985
9
HI 1563
Pedigree : MACS 2496 *2/MC 10
Potential Yield : 51.7q/ha
Special Features: This variety had

wider adaptability, stable high yield,
resistance to leaf rust and leaf blight
thus making it promising genotype for
eastern India. This variety has good
grain appearance, chapatti making
quality along with high level of iron
HI 1563
and zinc.
NW 2036
Pedigree : BOW/CROW/
BUC/PVN
66.2 q/ha
: Potential Yield
42.5
q/ha 85
:
cm 108
Average Yield :
days
Plant Height
: Maturity Duration
:
Special Features: This variety had
shown promise under both late and very
late sown conditions in eastern India,
tolerance to foliar blight and brown rust
diseases. This variety has strong straw
and thus tolerant to lodging.
NW 2036
10
DBW 14
Pedigree : Raj 3765/PBW 343

Special Features: It had shown very

high yield under late sown conditions in
rice- wheat cropping system. The
genotype has shown minimum reduction
under very late sown conditions. This
variety was tolerant to yellow and brown
rusts and also to foliar blight. This
variety also had high protein, good grain
appearance, good chapatti and bread DBW 14
making quality.
Varieties for Rainfed Timely Sown Condition
K 1317
Pedigree K0307/K9162
:
2018
Year of release
38.6 q/ha
:
30.1
Potential Yield
q/ha 94
:
cm 125
Average Yield
days
:
Plant Height
: Maturity duration
:
Special Features: This variety has better
chapatti quality and resistance to all
major diseases of north eastern plains
zone.
K 1317
11
HD 3171
Pedigree : PBW343/HD2879
Special Features: It has resistance to all

the rust diseases of wheat alongwith
resistance for loose smut and Karnal
bunt. This variety had high
sedimentation value, high gluten index,
good chapatti making quality and
suitable for various end use products.
HD 3171
HD 2888 (Pusa Wheat 107)

Pedigree : C 306/ T.
sphaerococcum/
/ HW 2004
Special Features: It has shown good

yield under rainfed conditions of eastern
India, high degree of adult plant
resistance to leaf rust and moderate
tolerance to leaf blight. HD 2888 (Pusa Wheat 107)
12
MACS 6145
Pedigree : C 306+ Lr 28
(HW 2034)
Special Features: MACS 6145 has come

out from cross using C 306 along with
Lr28 and thus possess resistance to leaf
rust, good quality parameters for bread
and better chapatti making. This variety
had shown good potential under varying
levels of fertilizers and also thermo
tolerant and had lustrous grain. MACS 6145
Varieties for Restricted Irrigated Condition
HI 1612 (Pusa Wheat 1612)

Pedigree : KAUZ//ALTAR84/
AOS/3/MILAN/
KAUZ/4/HUITES
Special Features: This variety has

shown high yield potential under timely
sown, restricted irrigated condition,
resistance to leaf & stripe rust and
attributes for excellent chapatti quality.
HI 1612 (Pusa Wheat
107)
13
Varieties for Salinity/Alkalinity Condition
KRL 210
Pedigree : PBW 65/2* PASTOR
Special Features: KRL 210 has shown

high yielding ability along with good
tolerance to salts, lodging and
resistance to brown rust along with
good quality parameters.
KRL 210
KRL 213
Pedigree : CNDO/R143/ENTE/
MEXL-2/3/Ae. sq.
TAUSO/4/WEAVER/
5/28KAUZ
Special Features: It had high yield
potential for harsh environments and
recommended for salt affected areas
under north India. This genotype has
also shown yield gain with enhanced dose
of nitrogen, resistance to yellow &
brown rusts, tolerance to leaf blight and
Karnal bunt. KRL 213
14
Varieties released by SVRC of different States
Timely Sown, Irrigated-Bihar
Sabour Samriddhi (BRW Sabour Nirjal (BRW

3708) 3723)
Pedigree : PASTOR/MILAN/ Pedigree : ACHYUT/BL1887
/MILAN/SHA7 Potential Yield : 47.0 q/ha
Potential Yield : 51.0 q/ha Average Yield : 29.0 q/ha
Average Yield 47.8 q/ha
Special Features : T h i s v a r i e t y i s
Thisvarietyis recommended for
: Special Features recommended for cultivation timely
cultivation in
: sown,rainfed
timely s o w n , i r r
i g a t e d conditions conditions of Bihar
of Bihar. It is and thus can be
medium tall g e n cultivated in moisture
o t y p e t h a t soil deficient soil.
matures in 120-125
days, tolerant to
leaf blight and
brown rust
diseases.
Timely Sown, Irrigated-UP
Sabour Shreshtha (BRW K 0607

934) (MAMTA)
Pedigree : HUW234/ Pedigree : HUW468/
CBW12- HD2402/2/K916
SEL 2
Potential Yield : 54.0 q/ha Potential Yield : 53.7 q/ha
Special Features : Recommended for
Special Features : It is a double gene
late sown, irrigated
dwarf variety
conditions of Bihar.
(plant height of 85-
It is medium dwarf
genotype, matures 90cm), tolerant to
in 110 days, terminal heat and
resistant to brown good level of
rust, loose smut resistance against
and leaf blight. all the three rusts.
15
Timely Sown, Rainfed-U.P. (Eastern Parts)
Narendra Wheat Narendra Wheat

1067 4018
Pedigree : TR380-16- Pedigree : VEE/PJN/KAUZ/
30614/CHAT'S
3/PASTOR
'
timely sown,
timelysown, rainfed conditions
irrigated conditions of Uttar Pradesh. It
of Uttar P r a d e s h matures in 125
. I t i s medium days and has plant
duration, about height of 80cm;
95cm tall and has possesses resistance
shown good yield to rusts and has
good yield in
under alkaline and
alkaline and saline
saline soils.
soils.
Timely Sown, Restricted Irrigated-U.P. (Eastern Parts) Late Sown, Irrigated-U.P. (Eastern Parts)
HUW 669 SHIATS-W6 (AAI-W6)

Year of Release : 2018 Year of Release : 2014
Pedigree : ALTAR84/ Pedigree : CNO79/PF70354/
MUS/3/PASTOR/
HUW206/MILA
4/CROC1
N
Potential Yield : 43.0 q/ha Average Yield : 37.2 q/ha
Average Yield : 24.1 q/ha Special Features : It is recommended
for late sowing
under irrigated
timelysown,
conditions of Uttar
restricted
Pradesh. It m a t u
irrigation re s i n 1 1 0 days,
conditions of Uttar plant height of 100
Pradesh. It is cm and tolerant t o
medium tall, y e l l o w a n d
matures in 130- brown rusts.
132daysandresistant
toyellowand
brown rusts.
16
K 9533 (NAINA) K 9423 (UNNAT
HALNA)
Pedigree : HI 1077/HUW 234 Pedigree : HP1633/KAL/
UP262
Potential Yield : 40.5 q/ha Potential Yield : 40.7 q/ha
Average Yield : 33.7 q/ha Average Yield : 36.6 q/ha
Special Features : This genotype is
late and very late
to le ra nt to heat
sown, irrigate
stressatgrai n
d conditions of
development stage,
Uttar Pradesh. It is
has high tillering an early maturing
and good yielding variety having
ability under late tolerance to heat
sown irrigate stress at grain
d conditions of U.P. development stage,
It is resistant to has potential for
brown rust and good grain yield
tolerant to leaf under alkaline and
blight diseases. saline soils.
Saline/Alkaline Soil-U.P. (Eastern Parts) Saline/Alkaline Soil-U.P. (Eastern Parts)
K 8434 (PRASAD) KRL

283
Pedigree : CPAN 3004/
Pedigree : HD 2160/K 68
KHARCHIA 65/
Potential Yield : 23.2 q/ha /PBW 343
Special Features : Recommended for Special Features : T h i s v a r i e t y i s
recommended for c
cultivationin ultivationin
saline/alkaline soil saline/alkaline soil
under timely sown,
of Uttar Pradesh irrigated conditions
andpossessed of Uttar Pradesh. It
had a medium plant
resistance to all the and having in-built
three rusts. tolerance to leaf
blight and Karnal
bunt.
17
Agronomic Practices : A complete package of practices including the field
preparation, sowing time, seed rate, method of sowing, irrigation scheduling,
fertilizer requirement and weed control have been standardised on zonal basis.
Still, there is scope to modify these recommendations based on the location
specific requirements. The following cultural practices are recommended to get
the maximum wheat yields.
Field Preparation and Tillage Technologies : The most common crop

sequence in UP and Bihar is rice-wheat which may create a number of
operational problem such as difficulties in seed- bed preparation, nutritional
imbalances, weeds and sometimes specific diseases and pests for wheat crop.
On one hand, wheat requires well drained soils; while on the other hand, rice is
grown under puddled submerged conditions.
All these problems of the system can be minimised by adopting zero tillage for
sowing wheat and applying balanced fertilizers and proper weed management
practices including herbicide application. Adequate moisture in the seeding
zone should be ensured for proper crop stand.
Wheat and rice crops, especially rice is being grown after intensive tillage.
Earlier till late nineties, the number of tractor passes with various implements
varied from 6 to >15 for wheat under moist conditions and from 4 to >10 for
rice under moist and wet conditions in different parts of the country. This
practice is called as conventional tillage. Subsequently, due to steep increase in
the energy demand for agriculture and adverse effect on natural resources due
to intensive tillage, a need was felt to optimise energy usage by improving
tillage practices and developing efficient machines for growing crops. During
the past more than twenty years, research efforts were focussed to reduce the
cost of cultivation, increasing productivity and maintaining or rather improving
the soil health and environment for which various resource conservation tillage
technologies (RCT's) were developed, a brief description of which is given
hereunder;
Laser Land Levelling : This is a precursor resource conservation technology

that is a must for the proper implementation of other RCT's for greater
productivity and profitability. Laser land leveling technology has universal
application with the following benefits;
18
 Increases crop productivity
 Increases area under crop
 Saves water and other inputs.
 Enhances factor productivity
 Reduces costs of production
Surface Seeding : This RCT is specifically suited to single crop diara lands of
Eastern parts of India (Eastern UP, Bihar, Assam and West Bengal) where soil
remains wet after rice harvesting. The technology has following plus points;
 Requires no tillage
 Broadcast dry or soaked seed under saturated condition
 Scope in areas where soil remains wet after rice harvesting
 Doubles the cropping intensity
Zero Tillage : This is the most widely adopted RCT covering about 3 million
hectares in rice-wheat system of Indo-Gangetic plains and has the potential to
be extended to other areas. The main features of the technology are;
 Zero tillage drill is simple and

affordable
 Direct drilling in
untilled conditions
 Advances sowing time
 Seeding at comparatively lower

as well as higher moisture
 Saves more than 90% fuel energy and time compared to practices followed
during nineties.
 Reduces drudgery to the farmers.
 Similar or higher yield at lower cost.
19
FIRBS-Furrow Irrigated Raised Bed-Planting System : This RCT is
specifically suited to areas of water scarcity. The water saved can help in
bringing more area under irrigation resulting in boosting the production. This
technology has given similar yield in case of wheat but 10 to 30% higher yields
in case of oilseeds and pulses. The salient features of this technology are;
 Saves seed and fertiliser nitrogen by about 25%
 Lowers water requirement by about 30%
 Less weed population on bed tops
 Facilitates mechanized weed control also
 Diversification of rice-wheat system
 Less lodging
Rotary Tillage : This technology has been tested for growing wheat crop and
has potential to be extended to other crops also. The main features of this
technology are;
 Single pass soil pulverisation and ferti-seed drilling (even puddling for
rice transplanting)
 Saves more than 80% fuel energy

and time compared to practices
followed during nineties
 Reduces drudgery to farmers
 Produces more at lower cost
 Comparatively costly farm equipment
Conservation Agriculture : A machine named as “Rotary Disc Drill” has been

developed for Conservation Agriculture (CA).This is suitable for growing crops
under CA where loose residue is retained on the land surface.
The main features of this technology are;
 Single pass seeding using ferti-seed drilling under surface retained

loose residue and zero tillage conditions
20
 Saves more than 80% fuel energy and time compared to practices
followed during nineties
 Reduces drudgery to farmers
 Produces equal or more at lower cost
 Only machine which can seed crops

in sugarcane ratoons with full trash
 Comparatively costly farm equipment
Sowing Time : In order to optimize productivity it is essential that the crop is

seeded at optimum time, as delayed sowing leads to gradual decline in wheat
yield. The optimum time of sowing for wheat is when the mean daily
O
temperature is between 20 to 23 C. Generally, the desired level of temperature
is observed in the first half of November. In case of late sown conditions, wheat
th
sowing should not be delayed beyond 15 of December for harvesting
reasonable yield and under very late sown conditions sowing must be in the
first week of January. For rainfed conditions, it is advised to take advantage of
residual moisture and the crop should be sown during the second fortnight of
October.
Depth of Sowing : Seed should be placed at 5±2 cm deep below the soil surface
where sufficientsoilmoistureisavailabletoenablepropergerminationandcropstand.
Seed Rate and Spacing : Seed rate depends upon the seed size, percentage
seed germination, time of sowing and crop rotation. In general, adjusted seed
rate of 100 kg/ha (at 38 g/1000 seeds) is required under irrigated timely sown
conditions if the seed germination is more than 85%. It indicates that the seed
rate needs to be adjusted according to the seed size and its viability. For
example if the cultivar is bold seeded then more quantity of seed is required.
The spacing for optimum yield under timely sown conditions should be around
20 cm from line to line. For late sown conditions, the seed rate may be increased
to 125 kg/ha (at 38 g/1000 seeds) and the line spacing may be reduced to 15-
18 cm. It is always better to use ferti-seed drill for optimum stand and
productivity.
21
Recommended seed rate, sowing time and spacing for wheat in NEPZ
Sowing Seed Rate Time of Sowing Spacing (cm)
Condition (kg/ha)
Irrigated timely sown 100 November, 10-25 20-23
Irrigated late sown 125 Dec.,15- Dec.,25 15-18
Restricted irrigated (RI)/ 125 Oct., 20-Nov., 5 20-25
Rainfed timely sown
Seed Treatment : In termite infested soil first treat the seed with 4 ml
Dursban/Ruban/Dermet 20 EC (Chlorpyriphos) per kg of seed, dry the seed and
treat with Vitavax @ 2 g/kg or Raxil @ 1 g/kg or Baviztin/Agrozim/Derosal/JK
Stein/Sten 50/Provax/Bencor @ 2.5 g/kg seed for the control of loose smut and
for control of root rot, foot rot, seedling blight, blackspot of glumes etc. treat the
seed with captan or thiram @ 3 g/kg seed.
Fertilizer Management : It is always desirable that the fertilisers are applied

based on soil test values. However, it may not be possible to have soil testing for
each and every plot. Hence, generally blanket recommendations are given for
various agro-climatic areas which are averages based on large number of samples.
For North Eastern Plains of India, the blanket recommendation is 150 kg N, 60 kg
P2O5 and 40 kg K2O per hectare for irrigated timely sown conditions. However,
depending on the previous crop 100-150 kg N can be applied. Wheat following
maize, bajra and rice should be given 150 kg N/ha whereas wheat following
legume may require only about 100 kg N/ha along with 60 kg P2O5/ha, 40 kg
K2O/ha.
In addition, about 25 kg Zinc Sulphate is required to overcome the deficiency of

Zn which is widespread especially under rice-wheat cropping sequence. For
irrigated late sown conditions when the seeding of the wheat crop is to be done
during the first fortnight of December the recommended fertilisation is 120:60:40 kg
rd
NPK /ha. It is always better to apply about 1/3 quantity of nitrogen and full P and K
at sowing. Phosphorus and potash should be placed 1-2 cm just below the seed
which can be easily done using ferti-seed drill. The remaining quantity of nitrogen
rd rd
should be top dressed as 1/3 at first and 1/3 at second irrigation. The quantities
of chemical fertilizers may be adjusted in case of availability of farm yard manure.
Nearly 5 kg of N is supplied by one cart load(oneton) ofwellrotten FYM.
Forrainfedconditionstheseedingneedtobedone duringthesecond fortnight of
October using the fertilisation as 60:30:20 kg NPK/ha and the whole of the
fertiliser is to be applied at the time of sowing.
22
Integrated Nutrient Management : Integrated nutrient management which is
the combination of inorganic fertilisers and organic manures improves the soil
structure, water holding capacity and gives the best results. Generally, it has
been observed that 75% nutrient supply using inorganic and 25% from organic
sources like FYM, poultry manure or vermicompost was the best option.
Green Manure : Six to eight weeks time period between wheat and rice is
enough to take green manure crop. Sesbania crop can add more than 100 kg
N/ha and helps in saving about 50-60 kg N/ha for rice crop and also increases
the yield of succeeding wheat crop. When the wheat is grown on raised beds,
Sesbania can be grown in the standing crop a few days before harvesting of
wheat. It increases the turnaround period by about 15 days thereby resulting in
greater biomass production.
Dual Purpose Legume : Moong can be grown in between wheat and rice
especially when wheat is grown on raised beds. One can harvest around 5q/ha
moong grains and its residues can be incorporated in the field as manure. The
biomass added to the soil is around 100 q/ha on fresh weight basis and about
20 q/ha on dry weight basis, which adds around 50 kg N/ha, thus saving about
20% N for rice crop.
Crop Intensification/Diversification : Continuously growing rice-wheat

adversely affects the soil physico-chemical properties, decreases factor
productivity and causes weed infestation. Intensification of rice-wheat system
by introducing short duration legume crops for grains or green manuring in
between rice and wheat helps in restoring soil health by enhancing the organic
matter contents and improving the soil physico-chemical properties.
Alternate cropping sequences like Rice-potato-wheat, Rice-pea-wheat, Rice-

wheat-GM/ Moong, Maize-wheat, Cotton-wheat and Sugarcane-wheat etc. are
some of the options for the farmers depending upon the agro-situations to
increase profitability and sustainability. This may also be applicable in parts of
the North eastern plains of India covering rice-wheat growing areas.
Irrigation Management : Wheat generally requires four to six irrigations

depending upon the season and/or rainfall during the season. However, crown
root initiation and heading stages are the most critical to moisture stress.
Depending upon the water availability, these should be applied as per the
schedules given below for better productivity.
23
Recommended Irrigation Scheduling for Wheat in NEPZ
Water Crown root Tillers Late Jointing/ Heading/ Milk Dough
Availability Initiation Completion Boot Leaf flowering Stage Stage
1. Irrigation ✓
2. Irrigations ✓ ✓
3. Irrigations ✓ ✓ ✓
4. Irrigations ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
5. Irrigations ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
6. Irrigations ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Weed Control : Incidence of Phalaris minor (Kanki), Wild oats, Chenopodium

album (Bathau), Convolvulus arvensis (Hirankhuri), Argemon mexicana (Kataili),
Anagallis arvensis etc. is generally observed in wheat crop. Weeds like Phalaris
minor and wild oats with narrow leaves are classified as grassy weeds, while
others like Chenopodium, Convolvulus etc. are categorised as broad leaved
weeds. Use recommended herbicides according to the prevalence of grassy or
broad leaved or mixed population of weed flora.
Chemical Method : For the control of broadleaved weeds 2,4-D at 500 g/ha or
metsulfuron at 4 g/ha or carfentrazone at 20 g/ha can be sprayed using about
300 litres of water/ha. For the control of grasses isoproturon at 1000 g or
clodinafop at 60 g or fenoxaprop 100 g or sulfosulfuron at 25 or Pinoxaden 50
g/ha should be used. In isoproturon resistant P. minor infested areas clodinafop
or fenoxaprop or sulfosulfuron or Pinoxaden can be used. For the control of
complex weed flora combination of isoproturon with 2,4-D or metsulfuron, or
sulfosulfuron with metsulfuron can be applied at 30-35 DAS at sufficient soil
moisture.
Cultural and Preventive Measures
 Irrigate the fallow field to allow the weed seeds to grow and then destroy
them through ploughing and harrowing.
 Use clean, weed free wheat seed.
 Weeds should be removed from the field before seed setting.
 Basal dose of fertilizers should be placed 1-2 cm below the seeds.
 Bunds and irrigation channels should be kept free from the weeds.
 Some suitable alternative rabi crop like berseem and rabi maize should be
grown inplaceofwheat in areas heavily infested with Phalaris minor and wild
oats.
24
Harvesting, Threshing and Storage : Harvest and thresh the wheat crop as
soon as fully ripe, to avoid grain shattering which results in higher grain losses.
Wheat can be harvested manually or mechanically by combines. For threshing,
use power thresher fitted with proper safety devices should be used to prevent
accidents. Threshing should be done when the moisture content of grains
should be below 20 per cent. In case the grain contains more than 10 per cent
moisture, it should be dried before storing otherwise it would be spoiled by
moulds and excessive heat that develops during storage as well as higher
infestation of insect pests. Proper care should be taken to control the stored
grain insect pests.
Plant Protection : Enhancing wheat yields through host resistance is the

cheapest, effective and environmental friendly means of controlling diseases.
Spot blotch is the major disease of this region that limit yield and has been a
focus of research. Then, brown rust is the major rust diseases in the eastern
regions of India. Growing rust resistant varieties recommended for the zone.
However, if required, spray the crop with Nativo 75 WG
(trifloxystrobin+tebuconazole) @ 120 g or Tilt 25 EC/Shine 25EC/Bumper 25
EC/ Stilt 25 EC/Compass 25 EC/Markzole 25 EC (propiconazole) @ 200 ml in
200 litres of water/acre as soon as the disease is noticed. Many a times, ear
cockle disease causes yield losses particularly in the states of Bihar and
Jharkhand. Farmers should make use of floatation technique in which wheat
seed should be soaked in water containing 2% salt and agitate vigorously for
few minutes. Ear-cockle galls will float to the surface. These may be skimmed
off with an ordinary sieve and burnt. For controlling rodents in the field, mix 3-
4 g zinc phosphide mixed in one kg of wheat flour, jaggery and oil and makes
small round pills and place these small pills near the rat holes.
Preparedness for new threat of wheat blast : Wheat blast, a recently

reported disease of wheat from Bangladesh, has the potential for quick spread
to Indian parts. In order to prevent entry and spread, proper quarantine
measures, continuous survey and surveillance in the bordering Bangladesh are
followed to be vigilant and also awareness programmes are organised. If in case
any blast like symptoms are observed, recommended foliar sprays of fungicide
should be made to mitigate this disease. Besides, anticipatory breeding for
wheat blast like has been initiated at ICAR-IIWBR, Karnal in collaboration with
other important organizations.
25
Summary
1. Choose the best suitable variety, follow timely planting and avoid delay in
sowing of wheat crop to avoid yield losses. Adopt new innovations for
enhancing productivity under changing climate to meet future demands.
2. Promote new varieties to replace old and disease susceptible varieties,

strengthen horizontal spread seed chain for recommended varieties in the
zone. Utilize provisions of incentives under specific schemes to increase
pace of varietal replacement in a focused manner.
3. Manage your crop well with optimum inputs (fertilizer, irrigation water,
herbicides and fungicides) for maximum yield. Cut down the cost of
cultivation without compromising on yield by adopting line sowing, use
zero- tillage and surface seeding technologies. Diversifying crop rotations
by involving short duration varieties, introducing intercropping,
popularizing summer crop and following green manuring will be effective.
4. Promoting use of farm machinery for sowing and harvesting crop at proper
maturity to minimize risk due to shattering, threshing etc., and follow
proper storage practices for wheat produce to avoid post-harvest losses.
5. Exploring possibilities for taking up participatory seed production, storage

and timely distribution in the region. Adopting new improved varieties,
production technologies and other innovative approaches to increase yield
with available technologies.
It can be summarized that adoption of newer technologies, optimizing benefits

of resources, up scaling developmental and extension system will enable
farmers and other stakeholders to achieve the future demand of wheat in
further increasing area, production and sustaining high yield levels in this
region of the country.
26
Suggested Readings
1. Chauhan DS, Sharma RS, Tripathi SC, Kharab AS and Chhokar RS (2000).
Wheat cultivation after rice-a paradigm shift in tillage technology. Indian
farming. 50 (6):21-22, 38 pp.
2. Chauhan DS, Sharma RK, Tripathi SC, Kharub AS and Chhokar RS (2001).
New paradigms in tillage technologies for wheat production.
(Bilingual). Directorate of Wheat Research, Karnal- 132 001. Research
Bulletin No.8. 16 pp.
3. Chhokar RS, Sharma RK and Gill SC (2013). Compatibility of herbicides

against Grassy Weeds in Wheat. Indian J. Weed Sci. 45(4):239-242.
4. Chowdhury AK, Singh G, Tyagi BS, Ojha A, Dhar T and Bhattacharya PM

(2013). Spot blotch disease of wheat – a new thrust area for sustaining
productivity. Journal of Wheat Research, 5(2):1-11.
5. Gupta A, Singh C, Kumar, V, Kundu, S, Tiwari, V and Singh GP, (2017) Indian
Wheat varieties at a glance Vol. II (varieties released between 2006- 2017).
ICAR-IIWBR, Karnal, ISBN: 978-93-5281-618-7. pp 156.
6. Kashyap PL, Jasrotia P, Kumar S, Singh DP and Singh GP (2018).

Identification guide for major diseases and insect pests of wheat. Technical
Bulletin No. 18.
7. Kumar A, Singh R, Singh G, Sharma RK, Saharan MS, Chhokar RS, Tyagi BS ,
Sendhil R, Chand R, and Sharma I (2014). Wheat Cultivation in India (Pocket
Guide). Directorateof Wheat Research, Karnal, Extension Bulletin No. 52 pp.
8. Kundu S, Shoran Jag, Mishra B, Gupta RK (2006). Indian wheat varieties at a

glance. Directorate of Wheat Research, Karnal-132001, India. Research
Bulletin No. 21.
9. Sharma I, Tyagi BS, Singh G, Venkatesh K and Gupta OP (2015). Enhancing

wheat production- a global perspective. Indian Journal of Agricultural
Sciences, 85(1):3-13.
10. Sharma RK, Chhokar RS , Chauhan DS , Gathala MK , Kundu VR, and Pundir
AK (2002). Rotary Tillage: A better resource conservation technology.
Directorate of Wheat Research, Karnal- 132 001. Research Bulletin
No.12.12pp.
27
11. Sharma RK, Tripathi SC, Kharab AS, Chhokar RS, Mongia AD, Shoran J,
Chauhan DS and Nagarajan S (2005). A decade of research on zero tillage
and crop establishment. Directorate of Wheat Research, Karnal-132001.
Research Bulletin No. 18, 36 pp.
12. Sharma RK, Chhokar RS, and Gill SC (2007). Resource conservation tillage
technologies for sustainability and higher productivity of rice-wheat
system. Journal of Wheat Research Vol. 1 (1&2): 97-102.
13. Sharma RK, Chhokar RS , Gill SC and Singh SS (2010). Resource

management for increased productivity and profitability: Achievements
and challenges. Indian Farming. 60(5): 18-23.
14. Sharma RK, Chhokar RS, Meena RP , Gill SC and Jha A (2016). Management
th
strategies to bridge the yield gap. 55 All India Wheat & Barley Research
Workers' Meet, August 21-24, 2016, CCSHAU, Hisar. pp 66-71.
15. Singh G, Sharma A, Gupta V, Singh C and Singh GP (2017). Approaches and
strategies for enhancing area and production of wheat in eastern India with
th
focus on Bihar and West Bengal states. 56 All India Wheat and Barley
Research Workers' Meet held at BHU, Varanasi during August 25-28, 2017.
Souvenir, pp 36-43.
16. Singh G, Tyagi BS, Gupta A, Kumar V, Tiwari V, Chatrath R, Tiwari R, Saharan
MS, Gupta RK and Sharma I (2016). Wheat: A guide on special features of
varieties for different production conditions in India. Indian Institute of
Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal-132001. Research Bulletin No. 36.
17. Singh R, Kumar A, Shoran J, Gupta RK, Sharma AK, Sharma RK, Chokkar
RS, Chander S, Chand R and Singh SS (2010). Increasing wheat production
and profitability through improved technologies, Directorate of Wheat
Research, Karnal-132001. Extension Bulletin No. 29.
18. Tripathi SC, Chauhan DS, Sharma RK,Verma UN, Kharub AS and Chhokar
RS (2000). Surface Seeding-Wheat production technology for wetlands.
Directorate of Wheat Research, Karnal-132 001. Wheat Extension Bulletin
No.-9.
28
ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat & Barley Research
Karnal-132001, INDIA
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WHEAT

Technologies for Enhancing

Target Zone : The north eastern plains zone of India comprised of 42

Climatic Requirements : Wheat is a cool season crop and best sowing

Crop Rotations : In the eastern parts of the country under irrigated

In Bihar, the Rice-Wheat, Maize-Wheat and Sesame- Wheat cropping

Selection of Varieties : The right choice of a variety suitable to specific

Salt Aﬀected CVRC KRL 210, KRL 213, KRL-19

Special Features: The variety had high

Special Features: K 1006 has erect leaf,

Year of Release : 2014

Potential Yield : 65.2 q/ha

Average Yield : 45.1 q/ha

Maturity Duration : 130 days

Special Features: DBW 39 has shown

Year of Release : 2009

Potential Yield : 66.3 q/ha

Average Yield : 47.5 q/ha

Maturity Duration : 119 days

Year of Release : 2003 2007

Potential Yield : 65.1 q/ha

Average Yield : 45.6

Plant Height q/ha 95

Special Features: This variety is

Potential Yield : 71.5q/ha

Average Yield : 48.1 q/ha

Maturity Duration : 125 days

Special Features: This variety has high

Varieties for Irrigated Late Sown Condition

Year of Release 2015

Special Features: This variety has

Year of release : 2011

Potential Yield : 51.4 q/ha

Average Yield : 37.7 q/ha

Maturity duration : 124 days

Special Features: This variety has adult

Potential Yield : 51.7q/ha

Average Yield : 37.6 q/ha

Maturity Duration : 107 days

Special Features: This variety had

Year of Release : 2003

Special Features: It had shown very

Varieties for Rainfed Timely Sown Condition

Potential Yield : 38.6 q/ha

Average Yield : 28.0 q/ha

Maturity Duration : 122 days

Special Features: It has resistance to all

HD 2888 (Pusa Wheat 107)

Potential Yield : 38.3 q/ha

Average Yield : 22.5 q/ha

Maturity Duration : 125 days

Special Features: It has shown good

Potential Yield : 37.0 q/ha

Average Yield : 25.5 q/ha

Plant Height : 118 cm

Maturity Duration : 127 days

Special Features: MACS 6145 has come

Varieties for Restricted Irrigated Condition

HI 1612 (Pusa Wheat 1612)

Potential Yield : 50.5 q/ha