AI Generated Summary
- The announcement was made at the 64th All India Wheat and Barley Research Workers’ Meet, where the Varietal Identification Committee (VIC) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) acknowledged PAU’s contributions to sustainable crop development and region-specific adaptability.
- With these developments, PAU strengthens its position as a leading center for agricultural innovation, offering Indian farmers tools to combat climate challenges and secure stable harvests in the years ahead.
- Satbir Singh Gosal highlighted the larger impact of these varieties, stating, “These varieties are expected to benefit farmers with better yields and disease resistance, contributing to food security and improved farm income.
Farmers across India may soon reap the benefits of two newly recognized wheat varieties developed by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). The announcement was made at the 64th All India Wheat and Barley Research Workers’ Meet, where the Varietal Identification Committee (VIC) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) acknowledged PAU’s contributions to sustainable crop development and region-specific adaptability.
Tested for Performance and Resilience
The two varieties—PBW 915 and PBW 906—underwent rigorous three-year trials before approval. Both demonstrated significant improvements in productivity and resilience against major wheat diseases, sparking optimism among farmers in diverse agro-climatic zones.
PBW 915: Strong Performer in Eastern Plains
PBW 915 is tailored for the North Eastern Plains Zone, covering Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam and surrounding states. The variety achieved an average yield of 52.5 quintals per hectare, outperforming many existing options in national trials. It also offers resistance to yellow and brown rust—two persistent threats to wheat cultivation—making it a reliable choice for timely irrigated fields.
PBW 906: High-Yielding Option for Central Zone
For the central zone, which includes Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, parts of Rajasthan, and Jhansi region of Uttar Pradesh, PAU’s PBW 906 stood out. This early-sown, high-input variety delivered an average yield of 67.4 quintals per hectare, surpassing several popular cultivars. With strong resistance to brown rust and moderate resistance to black rust, it offers farmers both productivity and security against disease outbreaks.
Boosting Food Security and Farmer Income
PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal highlighted the larger impact of these varieties, stating, “These varieties are expected to benefit farmers with better yields and disease resistance, contributing to food security and improved farm income.”
With these developments, PAU strengthens its position as a leading center for agricultural innovation, offering Indian farmers tools to combat climate challenges and secure stable harvests in the years ahead.
