Khapli wheat (Triticum dicoccum) occupies a distinct place in Indian agriculture alongside Triticum aestivum and Triticum durum. Traditionally cultivated in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, it has seen a surge in demand due to its health benefits, particularly for managing diabetes. This growing interest has driven the development of improved varieties that combine traditional quality with enhanced productivity.
One such advancement is Nilgiri Khapli (HW 1098)—a semi-dwarf dicoccum wheat variety developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) through gamma-irradiation. HW 1098 offers a reliable solution to farmers, preserving the nutritional qualities of dicoccum wheat while significantly improving its agricultural viability.
Why Nilgiri Khapli (HW 1098) Stands Out
HW 1098 tackles several challenges faced by dicoccum wheat growers:
-
Rising Market Demand: Increasing awareness of its low glycemic index has made dicoccum wheat a popular choice among health-conscious consumers.
-
Better Productivity & Disease Resistance: Unlike conventional tall dicoccum varieties, HW 1098 ensures improved output while resisting major wheat diseases.
-
Superior Grain Quality: Many modern dicoccum varieties suffer from genetic linkage drag, compromising their traditional characteristics. HW 1098 successfully maintains its rich nutritional profile alongside high production levels.
Quality Attributes and Economic Benefits
HW 1098 offers a balance of nutrition and profitability, making it an excellent choice for both farmers and consumers:
-
Grain Structure: Produces bold, lustrous kernels with an average weight of 46.5g.
-
Protein Content: Contains 16.8% protein, similar to the traditional NP 200 variety.
-
Milling Properties: A sedimentation value of 29.0ml enhances its suitability for baking and processing.
-
Beta-Carotene Levels: Maintains 3.39ppm, contributing to its high nutritional value.
Due to these characteristics, HW 1098 is in strong demand from the flour industry, particularly in premium health-focused markets.
Nilgiri Khapli (HW 1098): Agronomic Management
For successful cultivation of Nilgiri Khapli (HW 1098), farmers should follow these best agronomic practices:
-
Sowing Time: Best suited for timely sown irrigated conditions, ensuring optimal growth.
-
Soil Type: Performs well in sandy loam to medium black soils with good drainage.
-
Irrigation: Requires 3–4 irrigations, with critical watering during grain-filling stages.
-
Fertilizer Application: Recommended dose: 120:60:40 kg/ha (N:P:K), with nitrogen applied in split doses.
-
Weed Management: Herbicide application or manual weeding ensures healthy crop growth.
-
Pest and Disease Control: Highly resistant to leaf rust, stem rust, and yellow rust (except 78S84 race). However, preventive fungicide applications can be beneficial.
-
Adaptability: The variety shows better yield retention under late-sown conditions, making it suitable for regions with short winter durations.
Distinctive Traits & Performance
HW 1098 boasts superior agronomic traits, ensuring robust field performance:
-
Semi-Dwarf Growth: 85 cm plant height, providing resistance to lodging.
-
Strong Tillering Ability: Leads to greater grain output per unit area.
-
Dense Ear Formation: Long awns contribute to efficient grain retention.
-
Hard Threshing Grains: Bold and lustrous, ensuring milling efficiency.
-
Disease Resistance: High tolerance to black rust, brown rust, and foot rot.
-
Maturity Duration: Approximately 106 days, facilitating timely harvests.
Harvesting and Yield Performance
HW 1098 consistently outperforms standard dicoccum varieties across multi-year trials:
-
Average Grain Yield: 45.53 q/ha, with a maximum potential of 47.8 q/ha.
-
Late Sown Yield Performance: 40.47 q/ha under normal sowing and 32.73 q/ha under late-sown conditions.
-
Market Preference: Due to hard threshing properties, HW 1098 grain is ideal for specialized milling operations.
Nutritional Benefits of Nilgiri Khapli (HW 1098)
HW 1098 provides several advantages for health-conscious consumers:
-
Low Glycemic Index: A suitable choice for diabetic-friendly diets.
-
High Fiber Content: Supports digestion and gut health.
-
Rich in Beta-Carotene: Offers antioxidant protection against oxidative stress.
-
Excellent Protein Source: Farmers can tap into the specialized market for high-protein grains.
Development, Release, and Recognition
Developed at IARI, Wellington, Tamil Nadu, HW 1098 was derived through gamma-irradiation using NP 201 as the parent variety. After rigorous testing under the All India Coordinated Wheat and Barley Improvement Project, it was officially released in 2013 for cultivation in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
Market Viability & Farmer Benefits
HW 1098 is highly regarded in both farming and milling sectors:
-
Consistent Productivity: Outperforms traditional dicoccum varieties across multi-year trials.
-
Preferred for Milling: Hard threshing grains suit specialized milling requirements.
-
Late-Sown Adaptability: Performs reliably even when sowing is delayed.
Economic Benefits for Farmers
Farmers cultivating HW 1098 stand to gain multiple advantages:
-
Higher Market Prices: Due to its strong milling demand and nutritional appeal.
-
Consistent High Yield: Ensures better returns compared to traditional dicoccum varieties.
-
Sustainable Cultivation: Disease resistance lowers input costs, making it more economical.
-
Resilience to Climate Stress: Its tolerance to late sowing and heat stress ensures stable productivity.
Nilgiri Khapli (HW 1098) represents a major step forward in dicoccum wheat production. By combining high yields, superior grain quality, and disease resistance, it provides farmers with an economically viable and sustainable alternative to traditional varieties. With increasing consumer demand for high-protein and health-oriented foods, HW 1098 stands as a promising variety poised to support farmer livelihoods while catering to India’s growing food industry.
