Wheat is the second most important food crop in India after rice. It is the staple food crop in the northern, north-western and western regions of India. The following are the favourable conditions required for wheat cultivation –
a) Climate – Wheat is cultivated mainly as a winter crop in India. It requires a cool growing season and bright sunshine during the ripening stage. Unlike rice, excessive moisture is injurious to the crop, and it requires an annual rainfall of 50 -75 cm that should be evenly distributed. Irrigation is necessary if the rainfall goes below the stated amount.
b) Soil – Alluvial soil is highly suitable for wheat cultivation, but it should be well drained.
c) Landform – Gently rolling plain lands suitable for use by heavy machinery like tractors are ideal for wheat cultivation.
d) Demand – High demand has led to an increase in wheat production and areas in north India cultivate it as a commercial crop.
e) Technology – Due to high demand, wheat cultivation has been mechanized with the use of agricultural machinery. Green Revolution has also contributed to an increase in wheat cultivation.-
