Know the Special Things to Keep in Mind While Harvesting Wheat

Key Highlights

• Morning harvesting is advised.
• Proper cutting techniques are crucial.
• Manage moisture content.
• Record-breaking wheat production expected in India.
• The government aims to purchase 310 lakh tonnes at MSP.

Wheat harvesting season is here, with farmers busy in the fields during April. Some have already begun harvesting, while others are awaiting the right time. Farmers anticipate a higher yield with late harvesting and agriculture. In light of this, agricultural scientists from IARI Delhi have provided crucial advice for wheat harvesting to maximize benefits for farmers.

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What Farmers Should Keep in Mind

• Morning Harvesting Preferred: Dr. Rajeev Kumar Singh, a scientist from Pusa, recommends morning harvesting for optimal results.
• Drying Bundles: If harvesting manually, leave the wheat bundles in the field for 3 to 4 days to reduce the content of moisture present in them.
• Finish by April End: All wheat varieties should ideally be harvested by the end of April.
• Proper Cutting Technique: Using sickle or reaper machines, ensure cutting 4 to 5 cm above the ground surface.
• Readiness Test: Farmers can also measure readiness by listening for a cutting sound from the seeds while harvesting.
• Moisture Content: The moisture content of the grains should not exceed 15 to 20 percent during the harvesting.
• Drying High-Moisture Seeds: Any high-moisture seeds should be left in the field to dry for 4 to 5 days before threshing.
• Avoid Delay: Late harvesting may also impact crop quality and expose it to the damage done by birds and rats.

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Advice for Seed Producers

Dr. Rajeev Kumar advises seed producers to remove unwanted plants through rogging before harvesting. This ensures seed quality as even a few unwanted plants can affect the quality of the seeds. Maintaining high-quality seeds is crucial for better production of the crops, especially for farmers using self-produced seeds.

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Expected Wheat Production

India anticipates record-breaking wheat production of 114 million tonnes in the crop year 2023-24. Consequently, the government aims to purchase 310 lakh tonnes of wheat at Minimum Support Price (MSP) during the Rabi marketing season 2024-25, seven times more than the previous year.

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CMV360 Says

As the wheat harvesting season progresses, farmers must adhere to expert advice for optimal results. Harvesting in the morning, proper cutting techniques and moisture management are crucial. Seed producers should prioritize rogging to maintain seed quality. With India anticipating record-breaking wheat production, the government's aim to purchase 310 lakh tonnes at MSP reflects the significance of this crop in ensuring food security and economic stability.