Australian researchers hold discussions on wheat farming

Ludhiana, Nov 4 (UNI) To enhance profitability of wheat-based farming in North West India and to improve the grain quality, University of Adelaida and Rural Solutions, South Australia professors David Coventry and Mr Jay Cummins today held discussions with Vice Chancellor K S Aulakh and wheat breeders of the University here.

The two-member visiting team is exploring the possibilities to develop a farming system research project for examining the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer management and its relationships in wheat yield and quality (protein level), besides irrigation practices and environmental implications of the quality of water use.

Dr Aulakh told the visiting professors that there is a national concern over the declining wheat production largely because of climatic changes. The envisaged research project to be finally vetted by Australian centre for International Agricultural Research would definitely help to address the problems of management of wheat quality, the Vice Chancellor hoped.

''So far our emphasis has been on quantity and production to meet the national food security requirements. However with the agriculture scene changing and propspects of exporting wheat being there, steps will be taken to enhance the protein contents of wheat to make it competitive in the world market. In this endeavoour, PAU requires appropriate germplasm and other support to improve the grain quality and to resuscitate wheat production in North West India'', Dr Aulakh stressed during his discussions with the Australians.

Dean, College of Agriculture, Dr G S Chahal and Additional Director of Research Dr G S Hira discussed the problems and needs in wheat quality management in relation to increasing yield, improving grain quality, overcoming production and environmental constraints, and optimizing nitrogen inputs.

UNI HS SP RS1540