Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (JNKVV), Jabalpur has announced the launch of MP 1378, a new and improved wheat variety. Developed by the Zonal Agricultural Research Center Powarkheda, a leader in wheat research in the state and the country, this advanced wheat variety marks a significant milestone in wheat cultivation research, boasting not only heightened productivity but also enriched nutritional value.
According to the media report, MP 1378 stands out for its nutritional content, particularly its elevated levels of essential nutrients such as zinc and iron, each exceeding 40 parts per million (ppm). Notably, this variety demonstrates robust resistance against prevalent wheat diseases like smut and bunt disease— a disease caused by fungi that infest the host plant and produce masses of soot-like spores in the leaves, grains, or ears. These fungi are damaging pathogens of cereal crops, reducing the yield and quality of harvested grain.
The MP 1378 wheat variety's productivity surpasses existing strains by approximately 10 percent, a factor that has garnered recognition from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi. ICAR has granted a 15-year notification for cultivating MP 1378 in farmers' fields nationwide, endorsing its potential to contribute significantly to India's agricultural landscape.
Dr. R. S. Shukla, Principal Scientist, Wheat Improvement Project, Dept. of Plant Breeding & Genetics, highlighted the distinctive attributes of MP 1378, emphasizing its compact stature, disease resilience, and nutrient richness. Standing at a height of 88 cm with a maturity duration of 120 days, this variety is tailor-made for optimal biscuit and bread production. Its yield potential is estimated at 66 quintals per hectare, promising a boon for farmers seeking increased output.
The launch of MP 1378 offers farmers a resilient, nutrient-rich wheat variant enhances productivity and addresses nutritional deficiencies in crops. This development aligns with the nation's drive for sustainable agriculture and fortified food production, marking a significant milestone in the quest for agricultural advancement and food security.
