Madhya Pradesh is expecting bumper production of wheat this year due to favourable weather conditions, an Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) official has said.
"Madhya Pradesh will be forging for massive wheat production to the tune of 11 to 12 million tonne this year as against 8 to 9 million tones last year. With better monsoon, followed by extended winter up to March, the bumper production at 11 to 12 million tonne is expected now," Dr AN Mishra, Head of Indian Agricultural Research Institute (Regional station) told reporters on the eve of institute's Diamond Jubilee year celebrations yesterday.
Informing that wheat was sown in 4.5 million hectares in the state, Mishra said the production would also include rust and heat-resistant crop developed by IARI, besides high-yielding variety of wheat, known as "Malvi", named after Malwa region comprising Indore, Dhar, Ujjain.
Ten percent of the crop would be of Malvi variety, he said while seeking at least Rs 100 per quintal as incentive to farmers by the state in addition to the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of wheat fixed by the Central government.
Last year, Malvi variety was not fully procurred by the concerned state agencies hence the farmers did not make much sowing as expected, Mishra said.
"Sowing of malwi variety which is used for variety of foods like pasta, noodles etc besides good quality roti, could be enhanced if the state government provides extra incentive or bonus on procurement," the IARI Head said.
Mishra further said the contract-farming of the very variety could also be invited at the national and international level to boost the crop production.
{{/usCountry}}Mishra further said the contract-farming of the very variety could also be invited at the national and international level to boost the crop production.
{{/usCountry}}Having a research projects funding of Rs 1 crore annually, IARI provides the parent PUSA of ICAR an income of Rs 70 lakh by selling breeder seed to farmers, Mishra claimed.
On March 24, the green revolution expert Dr MS Swaminathan will address the audience to mark the diamond jubilee celebration of the institute, he added.