State PCS - Haryana (HCS)

• 14 Apr 2025

Trend of Wheat Production in Punjab and Haryana

Why in News? 

Favourable winter weather in Punjab and Haryana is likely to increase wheat yields in 2025, even though recent unseasonal hailstorms caused some minor crop damage. 

Key Points 

• Wheat Production and Yield Estimates: 
  • An increase in the average wheat yield compared to the previous year has been projected: 
    • Punjab: In 2023–24, average wheat yield was 50 quintals/ha. In 2024–25, it may exceed 60 quintals/ha. 
    • Haryana: In 2023–24, average wheat yield was 46 quintals/ha. In 2024–25, it may exceed 50 quintals/ha. 
  • Punjab and Haryana are major contributors to the Central procurement pool, especially for wheat. 
• A strong harvest will: 
  • Improve food security and stabilize market supply. 
  • Enhance farmer incomes through better procurement prices. 
  • Benefit the Public Distribution System (PDS) and reduce food inflation. 

Wheat Production in India 

• Wheat is a Rabi crop, sown between October and December, and harvested from April to June. 
• It is India’s second most important cereal after rice and is a staple food in the northern and northwestern regions. 
• Area and Production: 
  • Wheat is the second-largest crop in India (after paddy) in terms of area covered. 
• Top Wheat-Producing States: 
  • Uttar Pradesh (largest producer) 
  • Punjab 
  • Haryana 
  • Madhya Pradesh 
  • Rajasthan 
• Top Wheat-Producing Countries: 
  • China  
  • European Union   
  • India  
• Ideal Conditions for Wheat Cultivation: 
  • Soil: Grows best in well-drained loamy or clayey soils 
  • Temperature: 
    • 10–15°C for sowing 
    • 21–26°C during ripening and harvesting 
  • Rainfall: Needs 75–100 cm of moderate rainfall 
  • Sunlight: Bright sunshine is essential during grain formation for a good yield