PM Modi Unveils New Climate-Resilient Wheat Variety Pusa Gehun Sharbati (HI 1665)
12 August 2024, New Delhi: In a significant step towards strengthening India’s agricultural resilience, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has released a new wheat variety, Pusa Gehun Sharbati (HI 1665), developed by the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Regional Station, Indore. This variety is poised to make a substantial impact on wheat cultivation in regions prone to climatic challenges.
Key Features of Pusa Gehun Sharbati (HI 1665):
- Climate Resilience: Pusa Gehun Sharbati is specifically designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including heat and drought. With a heat sensitivity index of 0.98 and a drought sensitivity index of 0.91, this variety offers a reliable solution for farmers in regions facing frequent temperature fluctuations and water scarcity.
- High Yield and Early Maturity: The variety is suitable for timely sown and restricted irrigated conditions, yielding an impressive 33.0 quintals per hectare. It also matures in just 110 days, allowing for efficient crop rotation and better management of agricultural resources.
- Enhanced Grain Quality: This wheat variety is not only high-yielding but also boasts superior grain quality. It is bio-fortified with higher zinc content (40.0 ppm), addressing the nutritional needs of the population while ensuring better market value for farmers.
- Disease Resistance: Pusa Gehun Sharbati is resistant to common wheat diseases such as leaf and stem rust, providing a safeguard against crop loss and ensuring consistent productivity.
- Wide Cultivation Adaptability: The variety is suitable for cultivation in diverse agro-climatic zones, including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and the plains of Tamil Nadu.
A Step Towards Climate-Ready Agriculture The release of Pusa Gehun Sharbati (HI 1665) is part of a broader initiative to develop and promote climate-resilient crops across India. As climatic risks like floods, waterlogging, and drought become increasingly prevalent, such varieties are crucial for ensuring food security and sustainable agricultural practices.
A Comprehensive Approach to Crop Resilience This new wheat variety is among the 109 new varieties of 69 crops, including 69 field crops and 40 horticultural crops, that have been developed to address the diverse climatic challenges faced by Indian agriculture. Alongside wheat, nine climate-resilient rice varieties and new maize varieties have been introduced to help farmers manage water stress and improve crop yields under adverse conditions.
Looking Ahead As India continues to face the challenges of climate change, the introduction of varieties like Pusa Gehun Sharbati (HI 1665) underscores the government’s commitment to supporting farmers with innovative solutions. By enhancing crop resilience and promoting sustainable practices, these efforts will play a pivotal role in securing the future of India’s agricultural sector.
The dedication of these new varieties to the nation by Prime Minister Modi marks a milestone in India’s journey towards a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future.
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