Progression in yield and value addition of Indian bread wheat – An analysis

Abstract

National wheat programme of India was examined for
progress made in yield and quality in ten different
production environments. During the period 2000-16,
productivity improved in three environments namely timelysown condition of north-western plains zone (NWPZ) and
timely and late-sown wheats of central zone (CZ). Certain
non-grain parameters like plant height, vegetative period
and crop duration were the significant contributors in these
environments. Improvement in grain quality was zonespecific but simultaneous increase in productivity and value
addition was witnessed in the most important region of
the country i.e., NWPZ. Chapati quality and physical grain
quality improved in the Indo-Gangetic plains and peninsular
zone (PZ). Amongst the baked products; quality of the
cookies was improvised in the hills whereas progress in
bread loaf volume was visible in NWPZ and PZ. In quality
components, protein content was enhanced in PZ and
gluten characteristics were improved in NWPZ. Except
reduction in bread quality score, no major change occurred
in grain quality of the new varieties developed for hot and
dry climate of central India.