Increase in Wheat Yield Projected for Punjab and Haryana in 2025
| Topic | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Why in News? | Favourable winter weather in Punjab and Haryana likely to increase wheat yields in 2024-25, though unseasonal hailstorms caused minor crop damage. |
| Punjab's Wheat Yield (2023-24) | 50 quintals/ha; 2024-25 projection: may exceed 60 quintals/ha. |
| Haryana's Wheat Yield (2023-24) | 46 quintals/ha; 2024-25 projection: may exceed 50 quintals/ha. |
| Role in Central Pool | Punjab and Haryana are major contributors to India's central wheat procurement pool. |
| Impact of Strong Harvest | - Improves food security - Stabilizes market supply - Supports farmers' income via procurement - Aids PDS and inflation control. |
| Wheat in India | - Rabi crop (sown Oct-Dec, harvested Apr-Jun) - Second most important cereal after rice - Top states: UP (largest), Punjab, Haryana, MP, Rajasthan. |
| Global Wheat Producers | Top producers: China, EU, India. |
| Ideal Conditions | - Soil: Well-drained loamy/clayey - Temp: 10-15°C (sowing), 21-26°C (harvesting) - Rainfall: 75-100 cm - Sunlight: Critical during grain formation. |