Growing Wheat

A suitable location :- A location with fertile soil, which has a moderate water holding capacity, loam texture as well as good structure, are crucial aspects to be kept in mind.

Preparing the Soil :- To start one needs to plough the soil using the appropriate equipment, followed by planking. Subsequently natural fertilizers have to be added. One must keep in mind to add organic matters at the time of preparation of the soil.

Requirements of Weather :- An extensive range of weather conditions are conducive for wheat cultivation due to its high flexibility. However, the most suitable climate for wheat cultivation is humid and cool weather. Ideal temperature is between 20-28Degree Celcius.

Select a variety of Wheat :- There are very many times of diversity in wheat, cultivators select the quality keeping the climate of their region in mind. In India the below are the popular varieties:
HD2932
PBW1Zn
HD2851
TL2908
PDW233
UNNAT PBW343
DBW17

Sowing :- While selecting the seeds, one must ensure that they are disease free and high yielding. Depending upon the sowing method 35-55Kg seeds are needed per acre.

(i) Souring :- wheat seeds are sown in the soil at the depth of 4 to 5 cm in rows with the spacing of 20 – 22.5 cm between the rows
(ii) seeds are sown in the end of October and early November
(iii) Good quality seeds which are pretreated with fungicide are used to give maximum production.
Fertilizers are added while preparing the soil.

Irrigation :- After 20 – 25 days of sowing of seeds watering is done. Then after every 20 days irrigation should be done (4 to 5 times only).
During preparation of soil, weeds are removed and weedicide is also added.
Some common diseases in wheat plants are brown rust, powdery mildew etc. So to control pest and various diseases, pesticides and insectides are added. Advice from agriculture officer or expert is must.
Harvesting :-
For good quality and maximum production of wheat, harvesting is started when leaves and stem become dry, yellow in colour and moisture level in plant is 25 – 30%. Timely harvesting is must.
For cutting of plants and removing of seeds (ie) harvesting, threshing and winnowing combine harvesters are available in the market.