The wheat production in Madhya Pradesh has reached 365.11 lakh metric tons this year due to farmer-friendly policies and schemes guided by the Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav. Productivity has increased to 3,780 kilograms per hectare. Madhya Pradesh has already achieved the status of “Wheat State”. The state contributes nearly 18 percent to the country’s total wheat production. Madhya Pradesh wheat constantly remains in demand in international markets. Due to its natural sweetness, Sharbati and Durum wheat varieties are increasingly in demand in countries like Germany, United States, Italy, United Kingdom, Dubai, and South Africa.
Madhya Pradesh contributes around 35 to 40 percent of India’s total wheat exports. Wheat from the state is highly preferred in Oman, Yemen, the UAE, South Korea, Qatar, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, South Africa, and Indonesia. Madhya Pradesh wheat is considered highly suitable for bread, biscuits, and pasta making.
As a result of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav’s strategy of introducing new schemes and providing timely support to wheat growers, Madhya Pradesh has now matched the performance of traditionally leading wheat-producing states.
In the year 2004–05, wheat was cultivated on only 42 lakh hectares. Today, the wheat cultivation area has expanded to 96.58 lakh hectares.
Why MP wheat is so special?
After testing nearly 2,000 samples, the Directorate of Wheat Research Government of India found Madhya Pradesh wheat possessing exceptionally high quality. Even the most common wheat varieties grown in the state contain, on average, 12.6 percent protein, 43.6 PPM (parts per million) iron, and 38.2 PPM zinc. Durum wheat varieties are also rich in protein, iron, manganese, and zinc. These qualities enable Madhya Pradesh wheat to fetch premium prices in international markets.
The wheat varieties cultivated in the state have unique characteristics. Varieties such as JWS-17, JW-3020, and JW-321 can yield up to 35 quintals with just one irrigation. Varieties like JW-1142, JW-3288, and JW-1203 perform well even under high temperatures. JW-1202, JW-3288, and JW-1106 are protein-rich varieties, while MPR-1215 and JW-3211 are especially suitable for exports.
Development of 51 Wheat Varieties
Out of the five wheat varieties currently used for preparing nutritious food products, four have been developed in Madhya Pradesh. These include MPO-1215, MP-3211, MP-1202, and MP-4010. So far, 51 wheat varieties have been developed in the state, including 12 varieties developed within just the last decade.
Elaborate Wheat Procurement
Wheat procurement is currently underway and will continue until May 23. Farmers are being paid at the rate of Rs 2,625 per quintal, which includes the Minimum Support Price of Rs 2,585 per quintal and an additional state government’s bonus of Rs 40 per quintal. The procurement target for wheat has now been increased from 78 lakh metric tons to 100 lakh metric tons.
Self-Reliance in Seed Production
Madhya Pradesh is the largest producer of certified seeds in the country and has achieved complete self-reliance in seed production within the cooperative sector. More than three lakh farmers are associated with seed-producing companies. These companies are now also engaging in storage, marketing, and food processing activities. Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) are being further strengthened.
