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Wheat Sowing Management: Complete Guide to Seed Selection, Seed Treatment and Fertilizer Management

Guidance by: Shri Gajanan Jadhav Sir
Organization: White Gold Trust and Booster Plant Genetics Pvt. Ltd., Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Introduction

Wheat is one of the most important Rabi crops cultivated in Maharashtra. Achieving good wheat production requires more than selecting quality seeds. Proper sowing time, the right seed rate, seed treatment, suitable row spacing and balanced fertilizer management all play important roles in crop establishment and development.

Rushing into sowing, using excessive seed quantities and applying fertilizers without proper planning can affect crop performance and increase cultivation costs.

In this article, we discuss the important practices for wheat sowing and pre-sowing management based on the guidance presented by Shri Gajanan Jadhav Sir.

1. Major Reasons for Low Wheat Production in Maharashtra

Several factors may affect wheat productivity:

• Insufficient cold weather: Wheat requires suitable temperature conditions during its growth stages.

• Incorrect seed rate: Excessive seed use does not necessarily result in higher production.

• Abiotic stress: Adverse environmental conditions during sensitive crop stages can affect growth.

• High temperatures: Higher temperatures during early growth, grain filling and maturity may affect crop development and yield.

• Changing weather conditions: Weather fluctuations make timely crop management essential.

Understanding these factors helps farmers plan sowing and crop management more effectively.

2. What Is the Right Time to Sow Wheat?

Sowing time is an important factor in wheat cultivation.

According to the presentation:

• Irrigated wheat sowing should preferably be planned between 15 November and 30 November.

• Sowing should ideally be completed by 15 December.

• Avoid rushing into sowing before suitable winter conditions begin.

Sowing too early under insufficiently cool conditions may lead to early heading and reduced production. Delayed sowing can also affect crop performance.

Farmers should consider local weather conditions, irrigation availability, soil conditions and region-specific agricultural recommendations before finalizing the sowing date.

3. Selection of Wheat Seeds and Seed Rate

Selecting a suitable wheat variety and using the recommended seed quantity are essential for proper crop establishment.

A. Company-developed varieties

The presentation mentions the following varieties:

• Booster Research Bharghoss

• Ajit 102

• Nath Mohan Wonder

• Western 111 / 11

• Shriram Seeds 303

• Mahyco Pratham 7070

• Ankur Kedar

• Mukut

• Green Gold – Gold 23

• Nirmal – Nirbhay

• Kaveri – KW 51

The presentation mentions a seed rate of 30 kg per acre for company-developed varieties.

B. Improved university varieties

The varieties mentioned include Lokwan 2189, 2496, 496, Samadhan, 1544 and Purna.

The presentation mentions a seed rate of 40 kg per acre for these improved varieties.

Important: These quantities are reproduced from the presentation. The actual seed rate should be confirmed according to the selected variety, seed size, sowing method and official local recommendations.

4. Recommended Row Spacing and Sowing Depth

Proper spacing and sowing depth help establish a uniform crop stand and facilitate intercultural operations.

The presentation recommends:

• Maintain approximately 22.5–23 cm between rows.

• For December sowing, the presentation mentions a row spacing of 18 cm.

• Avoid sowing seeds deeper than 5 cm.

• Prefer single-direction row sowing rather than crisscross sowing.

Adjust sowing practices according to the variety, sowing equipment and locally recommended cultivation practices.

5. Why Is Wheat Seed Treatment Important?

Seed treatment is an important pre-sowing practice that can help manage certain early-stage crop problems when appropriate, approved products are used correctly.

The presentation mentions the following products:

• Rihans – 5 ml per kg of seed: Mentioned for managing early-stage stem borer problems.

• Lehiosin – 3 ml per kg of seed: Mentioned for growth regulation.

• NPK Boost DX – 5 g per kg of seed: Mentioned in connection with nutrient-use efficiency.

Before using any product, check its label, approved crop use, recommended dose and compatibility with other seed-treatment products. Do not mix products unless compatibility and the recommended treatment procedure have been confirmed.

6. Fertilizer Management in Wheat

Balanced fertilizer management is essential for healthy crop development. Fertilizer application should be planned according to soil-test results, crop requirements, irrigation conditions and locally recommended practices.

The presentation outlines the following schedule:

Crop stage	Fertilizer details mentioned in the presentation
At sowing	10:26:26, 8:21:21 or 9:24:24, or a DAP and potash option
20 days after sowing	Urea – 25 kg
40 days after sowing	Urea – 25 kg + Zinc Sulphate – 5 kg

The presentation also mentions these Booster products:

• NPK Boost DX – 500 g at sowing

• P Boost DX – 500 g with the first urea application

• K Lift DX – 500 g with the second urea application

These are details reported in the presentation, not a universal fertilizer prescription. Confirm the applicable dose, application method and compatibility from the product label and local agricultural recommendations before use.

7. Common Mistakes in Wheat Cultivation and Their Solutions

Mistake 1: Using Excessive Seed Quantities

Using more seeds per acre does not automatically increase yield. Excessive seed rates may increase costs without providing a corresponding benefit.

Solution: Follow the recommended seed rate for the selected variety and maintain appropriate row spacing.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Seed Treatment

Skipping seed treatment may leave certain manageable early-stage crop problems unaddressed.

Solution: Use an approved seed-treatment method appropriate for wheat and follow the product label instructions.

Mistake 3: Improper Fertilizer Planning

Unplanned fertilizer application may increase cultivation expenses without delivering the expected benefits.

Solution: Base fertilizer management on soil testing, crop requirements and local agricultural recommendations.

Mistake 4: Sowing Too Early or Too Late

Sowing before suitable winter conditions may lead to early heading, while delayed sowing may also affect crop performance.

Solution: Plan sowing according to the recommended seasonal window and local weather conditions.

8. Alternative Crops to Consider for Late Sowing

The presentation suggests considering alternative crops in January rather than undertaking very late wheat sowing.

The crops mentioned are:

• Sorghum

• Pearl millet

• Maize

• Green gram

• Sesame

• Groundnut

The suitability of these crops depends on soil type, irrigation availability, local climate, market conditions and the recommended sowing window for each crop.

Watch the Full YouTube Guidance

For a more detailed explanation of wheat sowing and crop management, watch the YouTube Live session featuring Shri Gajanan Jadhav Sir.

Watch on YouTube:
https://youtube.com/live/T706qZ9eqYw?feature=share

Conclusion

Successful wheat cultivation begins with proper planning. Choosing suitable seeds, following the recommended seed rate, maintaining proper row spacing, undertaking appropriate seed treatment and planning fertilizer application can help farmers manage their crop more effectively.

Farmers should make cultivation decisions based on their field conditions and recommendations from qualified agricultural experts.

For more agricultural guidance: