Wheat growing

Weather conditions

Wheat grows best in cool, moist conditions followed by warm and dry weather. The dry weather is ideal for wheat ripening. Farmers must realise that wheat also grows in a variety of soils and climates.

Low humidity areas are good for wheat growing since wheat diseases are prevalent in damp weather conditions.

Land preparation

Land is prepared by ploughing using either mechanical or ox-drawn plough. Farmers must ensure that the land is well drained. Ploughing helps bury weeds and allows moisture to soak into the soil.

Seed in the seedbed must be covered with a little soil to facilitate germination. To help preserve soil moisture the seedbed should be covered with some grass or any form of vegetation.

Seed variety

Farmers are advised to use high quality seed that is free from disease to realise high yields. Most popular seed varieties are Triticum aestivum, Triticum compactum and Triticum durum.

Growing season

The coming winter wheat is planted from April to mid-May and harvested from mid-August to mid-September.

Summer wheat is planted from mid-August to October and harvested from mid-May to July.

During wheat growing, soil humidity must be maintained at 31 to 38 centimetres of water in the ground to produce a good crop.

Farmers should have irrigation facilities in place since the season is characterised by temperatures ranging between 21 to 24 degrees Celsius.

Nurturing the crop

The farmer must do everything possible to keep weeds in the wheat field to a minimum until the crop reaches maximum height and develops flowers.

Grass and other types of weed take away moisture and nourishment needed for the proper growth of wheat.

Insects, grasshoppers and locusts are the major destroyers of wheat. Farmers must take preventive measures as recommended by wheat growing experts.

Insecticides and pesticides must be applied as per experts’ recommendations.

Fertiliser application is essential since wheat requires large amounts of nitrogen, and phosphorous. Since wheat is vulnerable to diseases such as rust and pests, farmers must provide maximum protection for the plants.

Harvesting

Harvesting is due when the grain has fully developed and is mainly done mechanically. Harvesting must be done at the correct time.

Farmers must have suitable storage facilities for the produce. Storerooms must be dry and well ventilated.

Harvested wheat is normally sold through the Grain Marketing Board and other players in the market. – Global Wheat Growing Guide