India's Wheat Fields Flourish with Climate-Resilient Varieties

The Indian government reports that over 60% of wheat grown during the rabi season is of climate-resilient varieties, developed to withstand varying weather. The wheat varieties now include DBW187, DBW303, and others. Records show an increase in wheat production, projected at 1154.30 lakh tonnes for 2024-25.

The Indian government announced on Friday a significant rise in the cultivation of climate-resilient wheat varieties, with more than 60% of wheat fields now planted with these innovative strains during the rabi season. This marks a strategic step towards ensuring food security amid climate change.

In his address to the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Ramnath Thakur, highlighted the successful development of 114 wheat varieties through the Indian Council of Agricultural Research's coordinated efforts over the past 15 years. These varieties, such as DBW187 and PBW872, are specifically engineered to yield higher under stress conditions by adjusting planting schedules.

The Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research is actively assisting farmers with advisories and high-quality seed supplies. As a result, the nation is on track to achieve a record wheat production of 1154.30 lakh tonnes in the 2024-25 crop year, up from the previous year's figures.

(With inputs from agencies.)