Madhya Pradesh, the country's third largest wheat producer is poised to export Kathia and Durum varieties of wheat. The state government is also likely to increase the export of Sharbati variety this year. The Sharbati variety of wheat is in great demand in the country and abroad.
In view of the growing demand for Kathia and Sharbati varieties, the state has procured 18,000 quintals of seeds this Rabi season. The department of agriculture is shortly going to identify the area where exportable wheat is to be cultivated, sources said.
When contacted, AV Singh, commissioner agriculture production said, "We are looking for a chance to export the Kathia and other varieties of wheat but we have to see the interest of the domestic market first. We will export if we will have surplus stocks.''
The agriculture department sources said the state government has set a target of 1.80 lakh hectare acreage for Kathia and Durum seed sowing and harvesting. The Kathia variety, they said, needs fewer fertilisers and is best for producing wheat granules (Rawa), Dalia and Maida, and has witnessed increasing demand from flourmills in India and other countries.
The Sharbati variety of wheat cultivated in Madhya Pradesh is considered to be of the best quality, as it is grown without using chemical fertilisers. Though farmers get lower yields, the good soil and climate improves its quality thus fetching a higher price.
In accordance with the state government's policy, the acreage of Kathia and Durum wheat is increasing rapidly. Durum wheat is high demand in foreign countries. Last year, "Malavshri" and "Malavshakti" varieties of durum were sown across an area of 456 hectare. The yield was 40 to 45 quintals. The export of durum is expected to fetch substantial foreign exchange.
Last year, Sharbati wheat was sown in only 1,45,000 hectare in Vidisha district. This year, production has touched 2,59,000 tonne and the acreage has increased to 1,60,000 hectare.
