Parbat Expands Wheat Breeding Program to Boost Seed Production

Parbat. This year, wheat cultivation for breeding seeds has been expanded in Parbat.

Research has commenced with the cultivation of foundation wheat seeds in Devisthan Chaubis Kuriya, Phalebas Municipality-6. The Agriculture Development Office stated that wheat has been planted on approximately five hectares of land for seed production.

With the support of the National Wheat Research Program and the Agriculture Development Office, research is being conducted on eight additional varieties alongside local strains. The office noted that this initiative is part of a seed production program aimed at achieving self-reliance.

Information Officer at the office, Sobita Subedi, informed that research is ongoing on varieties including Gautam, Bheriganga, Himganga, and Jingal.

Through the local Shakti Agriculture and Livestock Farm, 20 farmers are cultivating breeding wheat seeds in a single area. The Gautam, Bheriganga, and Himganga varieties have shown better production compared to other strains. Farmers in this region have turned to winter wheat cultivation due to its relative ease and access to irrigation.

Local farmer Ramesh Chapagain stated that after successful research on eight varieties by the National Wheat Research Program in Bhairahawa last year to identify suitable hill-region strains, breeding seeds adapted to the local climate are now being cultivated.

Farmer Chapagain mentioned that having agricultural technicians visit their fields for research makes future cultivation easier for farmers. He added that awareness regarding which crops yield better production and income in specific geographies has increased.

He noted that while interest in wheat farming had been declining due to rising temperatures, climate change, lack of winter rain, and irrigation shortages, the identification and recommendation of specific varieties by the center are expected to boost interest. He stated that out of the eight breeding seeds researched last year, four have been selected for recommendation so far.

Following the research, wheat varieties named NL 1179, NL 1488, NL 1486, and NL 1450 are being prepared for recommendation. These varieties are reported to perform well at altitudes up to 800 meters above sea level.