Wheat is the backbone crop of Mundakhera's Rabi season. A few small, well-timed decisions early on make a large difference in the final yield.
Ideal Sowing Window
For Haryana's agro-climatic zone, the first fortnight of November gives the best combination of germination temperature and full growing season before summer heat arrives. Sowing after 25 November typically costs 4–5 quintals/acre in lost yield.
Seed Rate & Spacing
For normal sowing dates, 40 kg seed per acre with row spacing of 20–22.5 cm gives good tillering. For late sowing, increase seed rate to 50 kg/acre and reduce row spacing slightly to compensate for fewer tillers.
Seed Treatment
Treat seed with a fungicide (as recommended at the local Krishi Vigyan Kendra) before sowing to reduce loose smut and seedling blight — a ₹50/acre investment that protects the whole crop.
First Irrigation (Crown Root Initiation)
The most critical irrigation is 20–25 days after sowing, at the crown root initiation stage. Missing this window has a bigger yield impact than any other single irrigation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Sowing too deep (beyond 5 cm) — delays and weakens germination
- Excess nitrogen early on — causes lodging (crop falling over) before harvest
- Delaying weed control past 30–35 days — weeds compete hardest in this window
For fertilizer dosage specific to your soil, get a soil health card test done free through the local agriculture office.