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India’s New Climate-Resilient Durum Wheat Variety Now in Action 

In a significant advancement for Indian agriculture, the newly released durum wheat variety, Pusa Gehun Gaurav (HI 8840), is set to transform wheat cultivation, especially in the peninsular and central regions of the country. This cutting-edge variety has been meticulously developed to address the pressing challenges posed by limited water resources and high temperatures during the grain ripening stage. 

Key Features and Benefits 

1. High Yield and Water Efficiency: 

• Average Grain Yield: Achieves 30.2 quintals per hectare under limited irrigation conditions. 

• Potential Grain Yield: Can reach up to 39.9 quintals per hectare with increased water availability. 

• Yield Advantage: Offers a notable yield improvement of 2.4% to 13.1% compared to traditional varieties. Its semi-dwarf stature ensures robustness, preventing lodging even under fluctuating water conditions. 

2. Disease Resistance: 

• Rust Resistance: Demonstrates strong resistance to both black and brown rust, common afflictions in central and peninsular India. This feature guarantees improved crop health and yield stability. 

3. Climate Resilience: 

• Heat and Drought Tolerance: Exhibits low sensitivity to heat (index of 0.94) and drought (index of 0.91), making it highly suitable for regions plagued by high temperatures and water scarcity. 

4. Nutritional Quality: 

• Biofortified Wheat: Enriched with essential nutrients, including grain zinc (41.1 ppm), grain iron (38.5 ppm), and protein (~12%). This variety not only enhances yield but also offers superior nutritional benefits. 

• Dual-Purpose Use: Ideal for high-quality pasta production due to its elevated yellow pigment content (~8.1 ppm) and hardness index (95). It also excels in making chapati, with a SDS value of 40.5 ml. 

Agronomic Characteristics 

• Suitability: Best suited for timely sown crops under limited irrigation conditions. 

• Geographical Area: Optimal for cultivation in peninsular and central India. 

• Maturity Duration: Matures within 110-115 days, making it an early-maturing variety. 

• Plant Height: Ranges between 80-85 cm, contributing to its strength and resilience. 

• 1000 Grain Weight: Weighs 47 grams, indicative of its high-quality grain. 

The introduction of Pusa Gehun Gaurav (HI 8840) marks a pivotal development in wheat farming, offering a solution to the dual challenges of climate change and water scarcity. This innovative variety is poised to enhance food security and support sustainable agricultural practices across India. 

Additionally, Pusa Gehun Gaurav (HI 8840) aligns with India’s broader agricultural strategies aimed at enhancing crop resilience and productivity. Its development is part of a larger initiative by agricultural research institutions to create varieties that can withstand the increasing unpredictability of climate patterns. The variety’s introduction also underscores the importance of integrating scientific research with practical agricultural needs, providing farmers with tools to adapt to a changing environment. With its promising features, Pusa Gehun Gaurav is expected to play a crucial role in improving wheat cultivation practices and ensuring better food security for India’s growing population. 

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