ICAR-IISWC Introduces New Wheat Varieties to Farmers of Raipur Block in Dehradun

30 October 2025, Dehradun

ICAR–Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Dehradun, distributed Truthful Label (TL) seeds of two newly developed wheat varieties-DBW 371 and DBW 372-to farmers of Raipur Block, Dehradun, today. These varieties were developed by the ICAR–Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal, Haryana, and are recommended for cultivation across northern India.

The seeds are suitable for both irrigated and rainfed conditions in Uttarakhand. The distribution program was organized under the Farmers FIRST Project (FFP) implemented at ICAR–IISWC, Dehradun. About 50 farmers received 20 kg of seed each on a trial basis.

The Principal Investigator of the project briefed the farmers on the advantages of the newly introduced crop varieties, highlighting their high genetic potential, superior yield performance, nutritional quality, disease resistance, lodging tolerance, and regional adaptability. The varieties are capable of yielding 75–85 quintals per hectare (q/ha) under plain conditions and 40–50 q/ha in the Dehradun region, where soil and climatic factors often limit productivity. Even under these constraints, their yield potential significantly exceeds that of traditional or locally cultivated varieties, which typically produce only 15–18 q/ha. Additionally, these varieties provide an equivalent quantity of wheat straw, ensuring adequate fodder availability for livestock.

Another expert emphasized the importance of using quality seeds and inputs for achieving sustainable agricultural growth. Farmers were advised to retain part of their produce as seed for future sowings, as the varieties possess high productivity, superior protein content, and are not commonly available in local markets.

A scientist also elaborated on the economic and socio-economic benefits of adopting these improved varieties, explaining how their cultivation could contribute to enhancing farmers’ income and livelihood security.

Farmers were also educated on the recommended package of practices for achieving optimal yield. They were advised to:

•    Treat seeds with fungicides (supplied with the seeds) before sowing;
•    Sow early between 30 October and 20 November 2025;
•    Apply the first irrigation around 35 days after sowing;
•    Undertake weed management soon after the first irrigation using weedicides like sulfosulfuron; and
•    Provide 5–6 irrigations during the crop season (with good yield even under 3–4 irrigations).

The seed distribution was accompanied by an individual MoU with each beneficiary farmer to ensure legitimate use and a buy-back arrangement for seed multiplication.

It was also noted that over the past three years, earlier distributed improved wheat varieties such as Unnath PBW 343 (for irrigated fields) and DBW 222, DBW 303, DBW 187, VL 967, and VL 953 (for rainfed conditions) have been well established in the region, resulting in an impressive 80% seed replacement rate.

Farmers expressed keen interest and enthusiasm in adopting these new varieties and appreciated the efforts of IISWC scientists and staff in enhancing agricultural productivity in their area. Shri Kushal Pal Singh, representative of the Farmers’ Producer Organization (FPO), Kotimachak, and IISWC project staff including Shri Mallik and Shri Vikas Kumar were also present during the program.

(Source: ICAR–Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Dehradun)