Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Mangi Lal Jat today reviewed the prevailing wheat crop scenario during a field interaction with media at the Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research in Karnal. 

 

Addressing the Media, Mr Jat said the area under wheat cultivation has increased to 33.4 million hectares this year from 32.8 million hectares last year, reflecting an expansion of around 6 lakh hectares.

 

He noted that wheat production is expected to surpass last year’s output of 117.9 million tonnes, with an estimated increase of at least one million tonnes. 

 

Providing an assessment of crop conditions, he informed that over 40 percent of the wheat crop has already been harvested without any significant weather-related impact.

 

He also noted that research indicates the possibility of achieving similar or higher yields with 25 percent lower nitrogen application, which would reduce input costs and environmental impact.