Package of Practice for Wheat Cultivation
Wheat is one of the most important staple food crops in India, mainly grown during the Rabi season (winter). Major wheat-producing states include Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar. The crop thrives in cool, dry weather with well-drained loamy soils and requires timely irrigation at critical growth stages.
Soil Selection
Wheat thrives best in medium loamy soils with good drainage. Avoid waterlogged or saline soils.
Field Preparation
After pre-irrigation (paleva), carry out 3–4 ploughings followed by harrowing to achieve a fine tilth.
Seed Rate
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Small-seeded varieties: 40 kg per acre
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Bold-seeded varieties: 50 kg per acre
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For broadcast sowing: 50 kg per acre
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For late sowing: 60 kg per acre
Sowing Method
Use seed-cum-fertilizer drills for sowing. Maintain 20 cm row spacing in timely sowing and 18 cm in late sowing.
In rice-wheat rotation systems, wheat can also be sown using Zero Till Drill or Happy Seeder directly in rice stubble.
Ideal Sowing Time
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Irrigated areas: October 25 to November 15
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Late sowing: Up to third week of December
Best sowing temperature: around 22°C for optimal growth.
Seed Treatment
Seeds from Shaktivardhak Hybrid Seeds Company come pre-treated with fungicides, insecticides, and bio-fertilizers.
For late sowing, soak seeds overnight (10–12 hours) in water with the water level 1–2 cm above seeds. Drain and shade-dry for 2 hours before sowing.
Fertilizer Recommendation
Whenever possible, base fertilizer application on soil testing. In the absence of testing, follow this general guideline:
| Fertilizer (kg/acre) | Irrigated | Rainfed |
|---|---|---|
| Urea | 120 | 25 |
| D.A.P. | 50 | 13 |
| Super Phosphate | 20 | – |
| Muriate of Potash | 10 | – |
| Zinc Sulphate | 10 | – |
Nutrient Content:
| Nutrient (kg/acre) | Irrigated | Rainfed |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen (N) | 60 | 12 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 24 | 6 |
| Potassium (K) | 12 | – |
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Apply full dose of phosphorus, potash, zinc, and 1/3 nitrogen at sowing time.
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Apply the 2nd dose of nitrogen at the first irrigation and the final 1/3 at the second irrigation.
Zinc deficiency correction: If not applied at sowing, spray 500g Zinc Sulphate + 2.5 kg Urea in 100L water per acre at 45 and 60 days.
Iron deficiency: If yellow striping appears on new leaves, spray 500g Ferrous Sulphate in 100L water per acre at 15-day intervals.
Irrigation Schedule
Wheat typically requires 4–6 irrigations, depending on soil type:
| No. of Irrigations | Days After Sowing |
|---|---|
| Two | 22, 85 |
| Three | 22, 65, 105 |
| Four | 22, 45, 85, 105 |
| Five | 22, 45, 65, 85, 105 |
| Six | 22, 45, 65, 85, 105, 120 |
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Use more irrigations in light soils and fewer in heavy soils.
Weed Control
For narrow-leaved weeds (like Phalaris minor, wild oats):
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Apply 500g Isoproturon 75% WP or 160g Clodinafop in 200L water per acre, 35–45 days after sowing
For broad-leaved weeds (like Chenopodium, Bathua, wild spinach):
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Use 8g Metsulfuron (Algrip) per acre, sprayed 30–35 days after sowing
For mixed weeds:
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Apply 16g Total (Sulfosulfuron + Metsulfuron) or
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160g Vesta (Clodinafop + Metsulfuron) in 200L water per acre, 35–45 days after sowing
Use flat-fan nozzles for herbicide spray.
Note: Avoid maize or sorghum after using 'Total' herbicide.
Disease Management
Rusts (Yellow, Brown, Black)
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Common in Dec–Feb during cold temperatures
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Spray 800g Mancozeb (Dithane M-45) in 200L water per acre, two times at 10–15 day intervals
Molya Disease (Nematodes)
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Affected plants turn yellow with stunted growth and fibrous root clusters
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Use 13 kg Carbofuran (Furadan 3G) per acre at sowing
