Wheat farming guide: sowing time, seed rate, irrigation and harvest

Sowing time

In most of north India, timely-sown wheat is planted from the first half of November. Late sowing into December reduces yield potential, so aim to sow on time after the previous crop is cleared and the field is prepared.

Seed rate and treatment

• Typical seed rate is about 100 kg per hectare for timely, line-sown wheat (increase for late sowing or broadcasting).
• Treat seed with a recommended fungicide/bio-agent to protect against seed- and soil-borne diseases.
• Use a certified, region-appropriate variety for better disease resistance and yield.

Key irrigation stages

Wheat responds strongly to irrigation at critical growth stages. The most important is the Crown Root Initiation (CRI) stage, around 20–25 days after sowing. Other important stages are tillering, jointing, flowering, and grain-filling. Skipping the CRI irrigation causes the biggest yield loss.

Common pests and diseases

• Yellow/brown rust — watch leaves in cool, humid weather; use resistant varieties and recommended fungicides.
• Aphids — usually late in the season; monitor and act only if numbers are high.
• Termites and root problems in light soils — manage with proper seed treatment.

Harvesting

Harvest when the grain is hard and the crop turns golden with moisture around 12–14%. Timely harvest avoids grain shattering and weather damage.