System of Wheat Intensification Study using Hydroponically raised Wheat Seedling – A New Approach towards Farmer’s Welfare

Abstract

: Wheat is 3rd most consumed crop in India after Rice and Maize. Its production is a source of
employment for a major part of the country. Inspite of having such high demand Wheat Cultivating
farmers faces problems like unavailability of irrigation water, poor survival rate, higher disease
infestation, poor yields and unhealthy crop. In view of the same System of Wheat intensification (SWI) was
expected to come out as a possible solution to these problems. In year 2017, Ayurvet Research Foundation,
Chidana had conducted a field trial in which Hydroponically (soil- less method of raising crops) raised 8-
day old Wheat seedling was transplanted through principle of SWI (through which fixed distance is
maintained between 2 consecutive seedlings which facilitates proper root development and better yields). 4
treatments were practiced through which spacing of 10X10cm, 15X15cm and 20X20cm was maintained.
Results showed direct yield gain of 18% (2311.1kg/acre) and 13% (2229.3kg/acre) in 10X10cm and 15X15
cm spacing as compared to conventional broadcasting method (1956.4kg/acre). The reason for not so
convincing performance of 20X20cm spacing (1766.25kg/acre) was lower plant population though the
highest seed weight of 32.5gm was recorded in 20X20cm treatment.
SWI is an efficient technology and can be of great help in doubling farmer’s income. It had reduced
weeding, use of pesticides and insecticides. Huge amount of water was saved because of the use of
hydroponically raised Wheat seedling, germination rate was higher, survival rate was higher and the
nutritive content of the seeds was way better than the conventional Wheat seeds.
Keywords: System of Wheat Intensification (SWI); Hydroponics; soil less technology; System of Rice
Intensification (SRI); plant to plant spacing.