12 new high-yielding varieties of wheat released

In a major boost to India’s agricultural sector, 12 high-yielding and climate-resilient wheat varieties have been released by the Central Varietal Release Committee for cultivation across various agro-climatic regions of the country. These include two varieties developed by scientists of the Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR), Karnal — DBW-386 (Karan Khushboo) and DBW 443 (Karan Saanvi).

Additionally, three new barley varieties have also been released, with Karnal contributing the country’s first hulless barley variety, DWRB-223, which is expected to be a game-changer in the health and food industries.

Dr Ratan Tiwari, Director, ICAR-IIWBR, said the new varieties were aimed at farmers’ profitability, while ensuring resilience against changing climatic conditions and major diseases. He said DBW-386 was suitable for the North-Eastern Plains Zone, offering an average yield of above 52 quintals per hectare. “It is climate- and disease-resistant, making it an ideal choice for timely sown irrigated conditions,” he said.

About DBW-443, he said it was recommended for the Peninsular Zone, offering a yield of over 49 quintals per hectare and boasts of high protein, iron and zinc content. “It also scores high on grain quality and adaptability,” he said.

“These varieties will not only help in increasing farmers’ income but also meet nutritional goals,” he said. “Their resistance to major diseases ensures reduced input costs for farmers.”

In addition to wheat, DWRB-223, the first hulless barley variety developed by the IIWBR, is a landmark innovation. With an average yield of 42.9 quintals per hectare, it is rich in protein (11.7%). “The absence of husk makes it directly consumable and valuable for health foods,” the Director said.

These new varieties will benefit wheat and barley growers across key states, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, depending on the regional suitability of each variety, he added.

Haryana Tribune