The agriculture cycle in Madhya Pradesh (MP) was significantly disrupted this year due to an unusually long monsoon and heavy late-season rains. The prolonged rainfall pushed paddy harvesting well beyond its ideal window, flooding fields, delaying threshing, and leaving little time for farmers to prepare land for Rabi crops—especially wheat, which has a very tight sowing schedule.
Across several districts, farmers are still unable to plow because fields remain wet, machinery cannot enter, and moisture levels are too high for seedbed preparation. With the wheat seeding window closing fast, many farmers fear yield loss or even crop failure.
But this situation is not unrecoverable.
Agriculture scientists suggest that farmers who act quickly—choosing short-duration wheat varieties, optimizing soil moisture, and adopting smart planting techniques—can still secure a strong harvest.
Being smart farmers can still make great decision by following below guide.
Disclaimer: This article is not a direct farming recommendation but an informational guide to help farmers understand possible options during delayed sowing conditions. Before adopting any seed variety, crop practice, fertilizer plan, or technique mentioned here, please consult a qualified agriculture scientist or visit your nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) for expert guidance tailored to your local soil, climate, and field conditions.
1. The Problem: Late Paddy Harvest Left Fields Too Wet for Rabi Preparation
This year, MP witnessed:
- Extended monsoon beyond October
- Heavy rainfall at the end of kharif season
- Waterlogged fields delaying paddy cutting and threshing
- Late removal of paddy residue
- Insufficient time for field drying
Under normal conditions, wheat should be sown by:
- Early November to 25 November for best yield
- Up to 10 December for medium yield
- After 10 December, yield drops by 15–20% every week
Because sowing is delayed, farmers must now adapt quickly using short-duration and drought-tolerant wheat seeds.
2. Best Short-Duration Wheat Varieties for Madhya Pradesh (110–125 Days Maturity)
Agriculture universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras recommend early-maturing, heat-resistant wheat varieties suitable for the late-sowing scenario:
a) HI-1544 (Pusa Gold)
- Duration: 110–115 days
- High tolerance to rust
- Good grain quality
- Ideal for late sowing
b) GW-322
- Duration: 115 days
- Performs well in moisture-stressed areas
- High yield potential even when sowing is late
c) HI-1332 (Sharadbati)
- Duration: 115–120 days
- Suitable for central MP
- Strong tillering and good spike length
d) JW-3020
- Duration: 115–120 days
- Recommended for areas with delayed seedbed preparation
- Strong resistance to common blight
e) MP-4010
- Duration: 120 days
- Heat-tolerant
- Strong resistance to rust, ideal for late winter heatwaves
Why short-duration varieties?
- They compensate for late sowing
- Mature ahead of rising summer temperatures
- Reduce risk of terminal heat stress
- Provide higher yield despite time loss
3. Field Preparation When Soil Is Still Wet
When fields are wet, normal plowing is impossible. These steps help farmers prepare land faster:
a) Use Minimum Tillage or Zero Tillage
Instead of waiting for the field to fully dry:
- Use zero-till seed drills
- Sow wheat directly into moist soil
- Reduce field preparation time by 70%
- Save diesel, labor, and effort
- Maintain soil moisture better
b) Create Drainage Channels
If waterlogging persists:
- Open small field channels (nalas)
- Allow excess water to run off
- Use spades or light machinery
- Prevent seed rotting
c) Manage Paddy Residue Quickly
Farmers can:
- Cut and pile leftover straw
- Use rotavator only if moisture level allows
- Avoid burning (loss of nutrients + environmental damage)
d) Do Not Over-Pulverize Soil
Too much tillage in wet soil can cause:
- Soil compaction
- Cracks during growth stage
- Reduced root penetration
Keep soil crumbly and aerated.
4. Sowing Techniques for Late and Moist Conditions
a) Increase Seed Rate
For late sowing:
- Use 120–130 kg/ha instead of 100 kg/ha
- Better tillering compensation
- Denser crop ensures higher yield
b) Narrow Row Spacing
Use 18–20 cm spacing instead of 22–23 cm to ensure good canopy development.
c) Use Treated Seeds
Seed treatment offers protection for early moisture-heavy conditions:
- Carbendazim + Thiram or
- Trichoderma-based organic treatment
Benefits:
- Prevents seed rot
- Reduces fungus
- Helps rapid germination
d) Ensure Proper Depth
- Sow seeds at 4–5 cm depth
- In wet soil, avoid deeper sowing as seeds may rot
5. Fertilizer Planning for Short-Duration Wheat
Farmers should focus on quick nutrient availability for fast-growing varieties.
Recommended Nutrient Dose
- NPK: 120:60:40 kg/ha
- Use urea, DAP, MOP, SSP as available
Split Application of Nitrogen
- ½ dose N + full P&K at sowing
- ¼ dose N at tillering stage
- ¼ dose N at booting stage
This prevents nitrogen loss in wet soil.
6. Irrigation Scheduling for Late-Sown Wheat
Late sowing exposes wheat to warmer conditions. Proper irrigation is critical.
Critical irrigation stages:
- Crown Root Initiation (CRI) – 20–22 days after sowing
- Tillering stage
- Booting stage
- Flowering stage
- Grain filling stage
Avoid over-irrigation in moist soil, which may cause fungal attacks.
7. Disease & Pest Management in Delayed Wheat
Moist soils + late sowing increase disease risks.
Common problems:
- Rust
- Powdery mildew
- Root rot
- Termites (important in dry spell after wet conditions)
Recommended steps:
- Use rust-resistant seeds (like HI-1544)
- Apply neem cake during sowing
- Spray Propiconazole if rust appears
- Use light irrigation to avoid moisture stress
8. Planning the Entire Wheat Crop Cycle in a Short Window
Here’s a simple schedule farmers can follow:
Week 1
- Drain excess water
- Prepare land minimally
- Treat seeds
- Start sowing with short-duration seeds
Week 2–3
- First irrigation at CRI stage
- Apply second nitrogen dose
- Monitor for tillering
Week 4–6
- Disease surveillance
- Maintain timely irrigation
- Control weeds early (within 20–25 days)
Week 7–10
- Booting and flowering stage
- Final fertilizer dose
- Last irrigation depending on crop variety
Week 12–14
- Grain filling
- Irrigate lightly to avoid shriveling
Week 15–17
- Harvest early-maturing wheat (110–120 days)
- Dry grains properly
- Store in moisture-free bags
This ensures even late-sown crops can achieve a decent yield.
9. Final Advice for Farmers in Madhya Pradesh
Despite delays, farmers can still save the Rabi season by taking informed steps:
✔ Choose short-duration, high-yield wheat seeds
✔ Avoid heavy tilling; use zero/minimum tillage
✔ Ensure timely nutrient and irrigation planning
✔ Watch out for fungal attacks and rust
✔ Keep soil aerated, not waterlogged
✔ Follow tight crop cycle planning
Agriculture scientists believe that with correct seed choices and fast action, MP farmers can still get a reasonable and profitable wheat harvest, even in a shortened season.
Disclaimer: This article is not a direct farming recommendation but an informational guide to help farmers understand possible options during delayed sowing conditions. Before adopting any seed variety, crop practice, fertilizer plan, or technique mentioned here, please consult a qualified agriculture scientist or visit your nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) for expert guidance tailored to your local soil, climate, and field conditions.
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