In India, wheat (Triticum aestivum) is cultivated on a large scale and is the second most important food crop after rice. The demand for wheat is increasing every year, which has led to an increase in the cultivation of early varieties of wheat. One such variety is Kanak, which is known for its high yield and early maturity.
Early maturing varieties of wheat are a boon for farmers as they help in improving the cropping intensity, thereby increasing economic returns from the land. Kanak is one such variety that has been developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi. It is a semi-dwarf variety of wheat and is suitable for cultivation in the north-western region of India, especially in the states of Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi.
Kanak is known for its high yield potential, which ranges from 45-50 q/ha. It has a medium-sized, red-colored grain that is rich in protein and gluten, making it suitable for making chapatis and other Indian bread. The plant height of Kanak is around 85-90 cm, which is shorter compared to other wheat varieties. This trait makes it less prone to lodging, which can be a problem with taller varieties of wheat.
Kanak has a short duration of around 110-115 days, which means it can be sown early and harvested before other varieties of wheat. As a result, farmers can cultivate other crops such as pulses or vegetables in the same field, thereby increasing the productivity of their land. Kanak has a high tillering capacity, which means that it can produce more shoots per plant. This ability helps in improving the yield potential of the crop.
To get the maximum benefit from Kanak, it should be sown between November to December. It requires moderate to fertile soils that are well-drained and have a pH of 6.5-7.5. Adequate irrigation and timely application of fertilizers are essential for obtaining a good yield.
In conclusion, Kanak is a suitable early variety of wheat that has several advantages over other varieties. It is a high-yielding variety with early maturity, making it an ideal option for farmers who want to increase the productivity of their land. The short duration of Kanak allows for multiple cropping, which is beneficial for farmers in the long run. Additionally, the semi-dwarf plant height and high tillering capacity make it a hardy variety that is less prone to lodging, ensuring maximum yield potential.