India has a rich heritage of wheat cultivation, trade, and consumption. Wheat has also occupied a significant place in the Indian diet. Over the past few years, the consumption of wheat has witnessed a consistent upward trend, due to evolving dietary preferences, urbanization, and the growing middle-class population. Wheat-based food like roti, chapati, bread, biscuits, and pasta has become a staple across the country. In this blog, we will know about the wheat season, major varieties, the states they are grown in, and the growth of wheat production in India.
Wheat production season in India
Wheat, being a Rabi crop, is grown during the winter season. The sowing of wheat takes place from October to December, followed by the harvest from February to May. Among the regions in India, the Gangetic plains are considered as the most favorable for wheat cultivation. With cool winters and warm summers, this region offers ideal conditions for a bountiful wheat crop.
Major wheat-producing states of India
Uttar Pradesh is the largest wheat-producing state in India. Following closely behind are Punjab, Madhya Pradesh (MP), Haryana, Rajasthan, Bihar, Gujarat, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Uttarakhand, which contribute significantly to India’s wheat production. When it comes to consumption, the northern states, including Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, proudly hold the crown for the highest per capita wheat consumption. However, the urban areas of other states are also witnessing a rapid surge in the demand for wheat-based products, reflecting the changing food habits of the population.
Popular varieties of wheat
India cultivates a plethora of wheat varieties to cater to a wide range of preferences and regional demands. Among the most popular varieties are the high-yielding and disease-resistant types such as Sharbati, Lokwan, MP Sharbati, and Durum wheat. These sought-after varieties not only excel in quality but also command significant demand in the Indian grain market trade.
Sharbati:
Sharbati wheat stands out for its exceptional taste and high gluten content. It is cultivated primarily in the regions of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
Lokwan:
Lokwan wheat, predominantly grown in Maharashtra and Gujarat has superior milling quality that makes it a preferred choice for producing semolina (rava) and other wheat-based products.
MP Sharbati:
MP Sharbati is a premium variety of wheat primarily cultivated in the fields of Madhya Pradesh. Renowned for its exceptional taste and abundant gluten content, MP Sharbati stands out as a top-choice wheat variant.
Durum Wheat:
Distinguished by its vibrant yellow colour and high protein levels, Durum wheat is primarily cultivated in Rajasthan. This grain is majorly used in the production of semolina, a vital ingredient used in a wide array of pasta and wheat-based culinary delights.
These varieties have several sub-varieties. They are as follows.
Sharbati Wheat Varieties:
C-306, Sujata (HI-617) JWS 17, Amar (HW 2004), Amrita (HI 1500), Harshita (HI 1531), HD 2987, JW – 3173
Durum Wheat Varieties:
Durum Wheat Pusa Anmol (HI – 8737), Pusa Malvi (HD – 4728), Pusa Tejas (HI 8759), Malavshree (HI – 8381), Malav Shakti (HI – 8498), Malav Ratna (HD – 4672), MP0 – 1215, Pusa Mangal (HI-8713), Pusa Nutrition (HI 8663), JW-1255, JW- 1106
Common Wheat Varieties:
Lok-1, GW – 322, GW – 273, GW – 366, GW – 173, MP – 1203, RVW – 4106, GW – 451, GW – 3288, JW – 3211, GW – 3382, JW – 1358
India’s wheat production has witnessed a remarkable surge, by almost 1000% over the past six decades. This substantial growth can be attributed to the impact of the Green Revolution, which revolutionized agricultural practices and significantly enhanced wheat production in the country. Presently, India stands as the world’s second-largest producer of wheat. The country’s total wheat production has experienced a remarkable increase, rising from 98.5 lakh tonnes in the early 1960s to an impressive 1,068.4 lakh tonnes in the agricultural year 2021-22.
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We trust that the provided insights on wheat production in India have been informative and valuable to you. If you require further information regarding the Indian grain business, please feel free to reach out to us in the comments section. Don’t forget to follow us on all our social media platforms to stay updated with the latest news and developments in the industry.