Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (HAU), Hisar, has announced a new wheat variety (WH 1309) designed to perform under late sowing and heat stress. The variety yields more and is resistant to several common diseases, offering relief to farmers facing delayed paddy harvests.
Introduction
For decades, wheat has been the backbone of Haryana’s agricultural economy. Yet, farmers often face a common challenge: delayed sowing due to prolonged paddy harvests and late monsoon withdrawal. These delays expose wheat crops to higher temperatures in late March and early April, reducing yields dramatically.
Now, scientists at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (HAU), Hisar have unveiled a potential game-changer—WH 1309, a heat-tolerant, high-yielding wheat variety designed specifically for late sowing under heat-stress conditions.
WH 1309: The New Variety
Developed after years of field research, WH 1309 is tailor-made for Haryana’s evolving climate and crop cycles.
- Heat Tolerance: Capable of withstanding temperatures up to 35–37°C in late March, when traditional varieties often falter.
- Yield Advantage:
- 55.4 quintals/ha in irrigated trial conditions.
- 54.3 quintals/ha under real farm conditions.
- About 12.7% higher yield than the widely grown WH 1124 variety.
- Disease Resistance: Strong against yellow rust and brown rust, common threats in northern India.
- Physical Traits: About 98 cm tall, reducing lodging risks during storms.
- Soil Adaptability: Performs well even in saline and organic soils.
- Maturity: Takes about 123 days to harvest, with ear development starting around day 83.
Recommended sowing window: December 1–20, with balanced fertilizer application.
Why This Matters for Farmers
Delayed sowing impacts 15–20% of Haryana’s wheat-growing area, particularly in districts where paddy harvests stretch into late November or where waterlogging delays field preparation.
Traditional varieties exposed to high March temperatures often lose yield and grain quality. WH 1309 offers:
- Resilience in delayed fields, ensuring stable production.
- Reduced input costs due to disease resistance.
- Higher incomes for farmers who previously accepted losses as unavoidable.
Dr. B.R. Kamboj, HAU Vice-Chancellor, said:
“This variety addresses a critical gap. Farmers who couldn’t sow on time will now have a reliable option that sustains both yield and grain quality.”
Broader Agricultural Impact
The launch of WH 1309 is not just about one variety—it is a symbol of climate-smart agriculture.
- Food Security: With India being the second-largest wheat producer globally, improved yields in Haryana (a key contributor) directly impact national stocks.
- Climate Adaptation: Rising spring temperatures due to climate change make heat-tolerant crops essential.
- Soil Versatility: Performance in saline soils opens opportunities for regions struggling with soil degradation.
Agricultural economists note that innovations like WH 1309 can safeguard farmers’ incomes and reduce the volatility of national wheat supply.
Farmers’ Voices
Early adopters from Hisar and nearby districts who participated in on-farm trials are optimistic.
Ramesh Kumar, a farmer from Jind, shared:
“We often lose 5–6 quintals per acre when sowing is late. With WH 1309, we saw better ear development even in heat. If the yield stays this high, we will definitely switch.”
Extension Services and Distribution
The university is working with state agricultural extension departments to distribute seeds widely before the upcoming rabi season. Awareness programs are being rolled out through:
- Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in Haryana.
- On-farm demonstrations in late-sowing districts.
- Workshops for agri-input dealers, ensuring seeds and advisory reach villages on time.
The aim is to cover 10–15% of late-sowing acreage with WH 1309 in the first rollout year.
Expert Commentary
Dr. Neelam Sharma, crop scientist at HAU, noted:
“Farmers often feel trapped between paddy and wheat cycles. WH 1309 gives them breathing room—it performs even when sown in December. This flexibility could reduce stress and improve planning.”
Agricultural policy experts also see potential in scaling such varieties to other northern states like Punjab and western Uttar Pradesh, which face similar challenges.
Closing Thought
The development of WH 1309 reflects the intersection of science, climate resilience, and farmer welfare. While challenges like waterlogging, stubble management, and climate unpredictability remain, innovations like this provide practical solutions for farmers navigating changing conditions.
For Haryana’s wheat growers, WH 1309 is more than a new seed—it is a promise of stability, adaptability, and hope in uncertain times.
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